BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The catheter related infections occurs when the bacteria of the skin around the catheter reach the blood stream. The catheter related infection is suspected when there is no other evident site of infection and the cultures of the material collected from the catheter and the patient’s blood show the same agent. CONTENTS: The recommendations of prevention, diagnose and treatment of catheter related infections are presented in this article. CONCLUSIONS: The catheter related infection is a relevant problem in intensive care units (ICU), contributing to a raise in hospital mortality. The elaboration of protocols to prevent and control these infections must be a routine in Intensive Care Unit.
catheter-related blood stream infections; vascular access
