Keywords

disinfection, central line, bloodstream, compliance, cost, central line-associated bloodstream infection, infection prevention

Abstract

Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in increased length of stay, cost, and patient morbidity and mortality. One CLABSI prevention method is disinfection of intravenous access points. The literature suggests that placing disinfectant caps over needleless connectors decreases CLABSI risk.

Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in a >430-bed trauma I center. In addition to an existing standard central line bundle, a new intervention consisting of a luer-lock disinfectant cap with 70% alcohol was implemented in all intravenous (IV) needleless connectors on patients with peripheral and central lines. Compliance to the disinfectant cap was monitored weekly. A generalized linear model using a Poisson distribution was fit to determine if there were significant relationships between CLABSIs and disinfectant cap use. Impacts on costs were also examined.

Results: The rate of CLABSI decreased following implementation of the disinfectant cap. The incidence rate ratios (.577, P = .004) for implementing the disinfectant caps was statistically significant, indicating that the rate of patient infections decreased by >40%. Increased compliance rates were associated with lower infection rates. Disinfectant cap use was associated with an estimated savings of almost $300,000 per year in the hospital studied.

Conclusions: Use of a disinfectant cap on IV needleless connectors in addition to an existing standard central line bundle was associated with decreased CLABSI and costs.

Original Publication Citation

Collette-Merrill, K., Sumner, S., Linford, L., Taylor, C. & Macintosh, C. (2014). Impact of universal disinfectant cap implementation on central line-associated bloodstream infections. American Journal of Infection Control, 42(12), 1274-1277.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-11-25

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7985

Publisher

American Journal of Infection Control

Language

English

College

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

Included in

Other Nursing Commons

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