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Efficacy of intravascular catheter lock solutions containing preservatives in the prevention of microbial

L E Shenep1, M A Shenep, W Cheatham

  • 1St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|September 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Heparin lock solutions with preservatives, like parabens or benzyl alcohol, show significant antimicrobial activity against common catheter-related infection pathogens. This supports their use in preventing infections in non-neonatal patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Hospital Infection Control

Background:

  • Limited evidence exists on preservative-containing heparin lock solutions preventing catheter-related infections.
  • Adverse effects in neonates have led to avoidance of preservative-containing flushes in many hospitals.
  • Catheter-related infections remain a significant healthcare concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of heparin lock solutions with preservatives in preventing catheter-related infections.
  • To assess the antimicrobial activity of preservatives (parabens, benzyl alcohol) and ethanol against common pathogens.
  • To compare infection rates with preservative-containing versus preservative-free heparin lock solutions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of infection control records from 1982-2008 at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
  • In vitro antimicrobial testing of heparin solutions with parabens or benzyl alcohol, and 70% ethanol.
  • Assessment of activity against planktonic and sessile forms of six microbial species using the MBEC Assay.

Main Results:

  • Two periods of increased catheter-related infections correlated with the use of preservative-free heparin.
  • Heparin solutions with preservatives demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against all tested microbial species (planktonic and sessile).
  • Ethanol exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly with short incubation times.

Conclusions:

  • Preservative-containing heparin lock solutions exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against common catheter-related infection pathogens.
  • Findings support the use of preservatives in intravenous lock solutions to reduce catheter-related infections in patients beyond the neonatal period.
  • Historical infection control data aligns with in vitro findings, suggesting a protective role for preservatives.

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