Table 2 The definition of TCBSI is specified according to K/DOQI 2006 clinical practice guidelines for vascular access⁵⁷ which distinguishes between definitive and probable TCBSI

At least one positive blood culture drawn from a peripheral vein or the arterial line up to 48 h after TC removal if performed

And at least one of the following criteria:

Positive quantitative broth culture of TC tip (Brun Buisson technique) > 10² UFC/mL with the same microorganism

Or

Positive culture of the exit-site discharge with the same microorganism

Or

Positive blood culture drawn from one of the lumen of the TC following aspiration of the lock with the same microorganism and with a concentration ratio > 3 or a differential time to positivity > 2 h in relation to the blood culture sampled from the peripheral vein

Or

Resolution of signs of infection within 48 h following TC removal with no other apparent source of sepsis other than the TC

At least one positive blood culture drawn from a peripheral vein or the arterial line for a pathogenic microorganism (S. aureus, enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonas sp., Candida sp.)

Or

At least two positive blood cultures from a peripheral vein or the arterial line

Or

At least one positive blood culture from a peripheral vein or the arterial line in an immunocompromised patient

Up to 48 h after TC removal if performed

No other apparent source of sepsis other than the TC