Can an infection develop in the Hickmann catheter and not show up in a grown culture or on a slide?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, infections can actively exist in the body (meaning that they are alive and growing) and still not be detectable in a set of cultures or on a slide.
There are several reasons why this can occur. One of those reasons is that the cultures and slides are not looking for the correct type of infection.
What is done?
If the infection is believed to be treatable, the catheter will likely be left in if at all possible so that medication can be infused into the body more easily.
If the infection either cannot be treated, or has reoccured, then the hickmann will likely be removed.
Options
One alternative to a hickmann is an IV. If the patient is being treated with chemotherapy or other drugs after chemo treatment, an IV may not be the ideal route because the veins may not be able to handle the intense infusion of drugs, as well as other reasons. Sometimes, an IV will be placed in each arm temporarily. Once the infection is cleared, a PIC line can be implemented, and the IV's removed.
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