Thoughts on Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Central Line Devices

Michael Calderwood, MD, MPH, previously assistant hospital epidemiologist and associate director of antimicrobial stewardship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discusses concerns over antibacterial and antimicrobial central line devices.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“The evidence [regarding the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial central line devices] is still [in its early stages]. We know that [the devices] are in use, and sometimes hospitals will use them for certain devices but not others, just because that’s the way it works via purchasing.

My concerns, as a steward, is whether or not this is going to drive higher rates of resistance and I’m waiting for some better evidence on whether this should be standard practice.”