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. 2001 Feb;39(2):750-3.
doi: 10.1128/JCM.39.2.750-753.2001.

Protocol for detection of biofilms on needleless connectors attached to central venous catheters

R M Donlan  1 , R Murga, M Bell, C M Toscano, J H Carr, T J Novicki, C Zuckerman, L C Corey, J M Miller
Affiliations

Protocol for detection of biofilms on needleless connectors attached to central venous catheters

R M Donlan et al. J Clin Microbiol. 2001 Feb.

Abstract

Central venous catheter needleless connectors (NCs) have been shown to develop microbial contamination. A protocol was developed for the collection, processing, and examination of NCs to detect and measure biofilms on these devices. Sixty-three percent of 24 NCs collected from a bone marrow transplant center contained biofilms comprised primarily of coagulase-negative staphylococci.

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Figures

FIG. 1
FIG. 1
Depiction of the NC collection protocol, showing the syringe (a), the luer adapter (b), a NC (c), and a connector prepared for shipment (d).
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
Scanning electron micrograph of a Staphylococcus biofilm on the inner surface of an NC.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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