Antibiotic sampling from central venous catheters versus peripheral veins.

This study was developed to determine if there are statistically or clinically significant differences in antibiotic levels of blood samples obtained from a central venous catheter (CVC) versus a peripheral vein. Currently there is limited and contradictory information comparing aminoglycoside levels drawn from a central line used for antibiotic infusions versus a separate peripheral blood draw. In this study antibiotic levels drawn from a central line were compared with levels drawn simultaneously from a peripheral vein. Significant clinical and statistical differences were identified based on the type of central catheter in place.