IV catheters that are coated or impregnated with agents such as chlorhexidine, rifampin, silver sulfadiazine, or other antimicrobial agents have been examined for effectiveness in preventing central line-associated infections. This approach has been used with nontunneled, short-term catheters in adults and children and in the general patient population and patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Findings differ between use in adults and use in children.