Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Effectiveness of silver-impregnated central venous catheters for preventing catheter-related blood stream infections:
Ya-Mei Chen1, Ai-Ping Dai2, Yan Shi3
1Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China.
Objectives:
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of silver-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) in preventing catheter bacterial colonization and catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).
Methods:
PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched up to April 30, 2014. Studies in which other antiseptic reagents were used (e.g., chlorhexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, urokinase rinses, benzalkonium chloride, rifampin-minocycline) were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Tests of heterogeneity and publication bias were performed.
Results:
Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled a total of 2854 patients; 1440 received a standard CVC and 1414 received a silver-impregnated CVC. No significant difference in catheter bacterial colonization rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (OR 0.907, 95% CI 0.758-1.087, p=0.290). No significant difference in CRBSI rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (pooled OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.476-1.094, p=0.124). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was noted.
Conclusions:
Silver-impregnated CVCs are not associated with reduced rates of bacterial colonization or CRBSI.
