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Published on: July 13, 2019

Prevention of infection in peripheral intravenous devices

I Lavery1, P Ingram

  • 1Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh. irene.lavery@luht.scot.nhs.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral intravenous cannulation devices can cause infections. This article explores the chain of infection to identify methods for reducing or preventing these healthcare-associated infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Medical Devices
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) devices are common in healthcare settings.
  • PIVCs represent a potential source of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
  • Understanding infection pathways is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine peripheral intravenous cannulation devices as a source of infection.
  • To apply the chain of infection model to PIVC-related infections.
  • To identify strategies for reducing or preventing PIVC-associated infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on PIVC devices and infection.
  • Application of the chain of infection framework (e.g., infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host).
  • Analysis of each link in the chain to identify intervention points.

Main Results:

  • PIVC devices can harbor microorganisms, serving as a reservoir.
  • Improper insertion, handling, and maintenance can lead to transmission.
  • Breaches in aseptic technique create portals of entry for pathogens.
  • Patient factors can increase susceptibility to infection.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting each component of the chain of infection is essential for PIVC infection control.
  • Adherence to strict aseptic techniques and device management protocols can minimize risks.
  • Comprehensive strategies are needed to reduce the incidence of PIVC-associated infections.

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