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

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.