Study results have led NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Ill., to adopt alcohol disinfection caps for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections, according to an Excelsior Medical release.
For the study, researchers examined the effect of incorporating an alcohol disinfecting cap into the catheter maintenance bundle. The disinfection cap is designed to be twisted on and cover the top and sides of a needleless luer-lock IV connector. The cap bathes the connector with IPA when attached to the connector. The cap is also left in place between catheter accesses to protect against touch and airborne contamination.
CLABSIs declined 51 percent as a result of the new protocol. In addition, the caps were cost-neutral as a result of avoided infections and associated lengths of stay.
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For the study, researchers examined the effect of incorporating an alcohol disinfecting cap into the catheter maintenance bundle. The disinfection cap is designed to be twisted on and cover the top and sides of a needleless luer-lock IV connector. The cap bathes the connector with IPA when attached to the connector. The cap is also left in place between catheter accesses to protect against touch and airborne contamination.
CLABSIs declined 51 percent as a result of the new protocol. In addition, the caps were cost-neutral as a result of avoided infections and associated lengths of stay.
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