Peripheral intravenous catheter needleless connector decontamination study—Randomized controlled trial

• Published in: American journal of infection control 2020-09, Vol.48 (9), p.1013-1018
• Main Authors: Slater, Karen, Cooke, Marie, Fullerton, Fiona, Whitby, Michael, Hay, Jennine, Lingard, Scott, Douglas, Joel, Rickard, Claire M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2-Propanol; Adult; Blood stream infection; Catheters; Chlorhexidine; Decontamination; Disinfectants; Humans; Infection Control; Microbiology; Skin
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.11.030

Needleless connectors (NCs) were introduced to reduce health care work needlestick injuries (NSIs). If not decontaminated prior to use, NCs can be a portal for patient blood stream infections. The optimal disinfectant, and its application duration, for NC decontamination has not been empirically established. Factorial design randomized controlled trial comparing 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% IPA for 5, 10, or 15 seconds, in adult medical patients with peripheral intravenous catheters. At baseline, 153 of 300 NCs (51%) grew microorganisms commonly found on the skin. Decontamination was successful in 150/153 (98%). There was no significant difference in decontamination between 70% IPA or 2% CHG in 70% IPA (P = .62), or decontamination for 5, 10, or 15 seconds (P = .21). There was no difference in the effectiveness of 70% IPA and 2% CHG in 70% IPA for NC decontamination for peripheral intravenous catheters in the clinical environment. Successful decontamination was not different for applications of 5, 10, and 15 seconds; 15 seconds did not always remove all microorganisms. Factors such as cost, feasibility of compliance, and low risk of allergy support 5 seconds decontamination with 70% IPA as an acceptable approach. •PIVC NC cleaning successful 98%•No difference 70% IPA and 2% CHG and 70% IPA•No difference 5, 10, 15 seconds decontamination