Search

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether scrubbing the hub of intravenous catheters with an alcohol wipe for 15 sec could reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis in a level-three neonatal intensive care unit. Methods We studied the incidence of neonatal sepsis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci ( Co NS) for 16.5 months before the initiative was launched on May 15, 2012 and then for a further 8.5 months after it was introduced. The hub routine was applied to all intravenous catheters. Results During the control period before the initiative was launched, there were nine cases of Co NS sepsis compared with no cases after it was introduced, resulting in a decrease in sepsis incidence from 1.5% to 0% with a risk reduction of 1.5% (0.53-2.58%) (p = 0.06). In the preterm infant population, the incidence of sepsis decreased from 3.6% to 0% (1.1-6.0%) (p = 0.11). Conclusion Scrubbing the hub of intravenous catheters with an alcohol wipe for 15 sec seemed to be an efficient way of preventing sepsis caused by Co NS in newborn infants. However, the evidence for the benefits will remain weak until a large randomised trial has been completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheters are among the most widely used medical devices in the world. European patients are increasingly aware of the risk of health care associated infections and the role catheters play in their facilitation. Aims: We intend to show that European health care providers are increasingly aware of the occupational risks of bloodborne infections such as HIV and hepatitis which can be transmitted by the needles from catheters and that the political will is building to take action to ensure safer devices are provided. Methods: We review the wide variety of peripheral intravenous catheters which are specially engineered to reduce these risks. Results: Available safety devices include spring-loaded retractable needles, guards that shield the dangerous tips and closed, needle-free access valves for intravenous sets. Conlusions: It is no longer necessary for patients and professionals to take risks to health and life when solutions which minimize these risks are at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]