Comparison of central venous catheter and peripheral vein samples of antibiotics in children with cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE. To determine if accurate serum antibiotic levels can be obtained from central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS. Fifty paired CVC-peripheral vancomycin or tobramycin specimens were collected within 5 min of each other following a 5-ml flush and discard. Specimen samples were randomized by first site drawn. RESULTS. CVC-peripheral antibiotic levels were highly correlated (r =.97, p <.001), with no statistically significant difference (t = 1.18, p =.25). Bland-Altman plot analysis revealed a bias of.47, with limits of agreement ranging from -4.20 to 6.87. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Accurate antibiotic concentrations can be obtained from CVCs, reducing pediatric patient trauma and stress.