Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
09:57
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
A continuous quality improvement project to decrease hemodialysis catheter infections in pediatric patients: use of a
Nancy McAfee1, Kristy Seidel, Sandra Watkins
1Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA. nancy.mcafee@seattlechildrens.org
Summary
Closed luer-lock connectors significantly reduced bloodstream infections in pediatric hemodialysis patients. This switch improved patient safety by creating a closed system, lowering infection rates by over 50%.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) pose a significant risk in pediatric hemodialysis.
- Maintaining vascular access patency and preventing infection are critical for successful treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of implementing closed luer-lock access connectors on CRBSI rates in pediatric hemodialysis patients.
- To assess the effectiveness of a mechanically and microbiologically closed system in reducing infection transmission.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis comparing infection rates before and after the introduction of closed luer-lock connectors.
- Monitoring of bloodstream infection incidence per 1000 patient days.
Main Results:
- Infection rates decreased from 7.8 to 3.65 per 1000 patient days after adopting closed connectors.
- This represents a statistically significant reduction in bloodstream infections (t = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- The adoption of closed luer-lock access connectors is an effective strategy for reducing CRBSIs in pediatric hemodialysis.
- Implementing closed systems enhances patient safety and improves outcomes in pediatric hemodialysis care.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...
01:26Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is an essential intervention for patients experiencing severe kidney dysfunction. This therapy offers a continuous mechanism for removing fluids and toxins from the bloodstream, leveraging the patient’s blood pressure to facilitate filtration through a specialized filter. This method contrasts with intermittent dialysis, providing a gentler and more consistent removal of waste products and excess fluid, which is particularly beneficial in critically...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...