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Updated: Mar 5, 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
Microorganisms present on peripheral intravenous needleless connectors in the clinical environment
Karen Slater1, Marie Cooke2, Michael Whitby3
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated. Emergency department insertion and higher patient dependency were statistically associated with positive NC microorganism growth. These results reaffirm the need for NC decontamination prior to access.
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