Published in:
01-11-2016 | What's New in Intensive Care
What’s new in catheter-related infection: skin cleansing and skin antisepsis
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 11/2016
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Catheter-related infections (CRIs) are common, life-threatening healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that the incidence of these infections can be decreased through discrete processes of care (Table 1) [1]. Because microorganisms from the skin at the site of catheter insertion are often the source of CRI [2], optimal skin preparation prior to short-term catheter placement is an example of such a discrete process.
Table 1
Basic bundle to prevent catheter-related infection
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Use written protocol for catheter insertion and maintenance
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Rub hands with alcohol-based solutions before each line manipulation
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Respect full-barrier precaution at catheter insertion
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Cleanse the skin with a 2 % chlorhexidine/70 % isopropyl alcohol sterile solution
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Select subclavian vein as preferred access in the absence of contraindicationsa
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Change non-adherent, soiled, or moistened dressing
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Remove catheters that are clinically no longer necessary
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