This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Changing to zero fluid displacement IV connector reduced CLABSIs
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Hospital workers were able to significantly reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections after switching from intravenous positive- or negative-pressure needleless connectors to zero fluid displacement connectors, new study results suggest.
"We know that both positive and negative needleless connectors have been associated with higher CLABSI rates, so we decided to see what role a zero fluid displacement connector would play in infection control," Cynthia C. Chernecky, PhD, RN, professor of nursing at Georgia Regents University, said in a press release.
Chernecky and colleagues compared the CLABSI rates in six acute care settings in five states, and found there was a higher infection rate when either positive (P=0.0158) or negative (P=0.039) connectors were used. Infections were reduced by 60% when positive connectors were replaced by zero fluid displacement connectors and 90% when negative connectors were replaced by zero fluid connectors. The researchers observed an overall decrease in CLABSIs per 1,000 catheter-days after positive or negative connectors were replaced (P=0.007).
With each CLABSI averaging $35,000, the change from positive or negative connectors to zero fluid displacement connectors saved more than $3 million for the health care facilities involved in the study, according to the researchers. In addition, Chernecky and colleagues estimated that at least 13 lives were saved as a result of the switch, based on a 15% mortality rate from catheter-related bloodstream infections in ICUs.
The researchers said future research should confirm the findings and account for multiple approaches to swabbing and flushing the different types of needleless connectors.
"Central line-associated bloodstream infections can be deadly, so we must continue to investigate best practices to reduce risks and protect patients," Chernecky said.
Disclosure: One of the researchers is a consultant and investor in RyMed Technologies.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts