Cost-effective application of the Centers for Disease Control Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular Infections

Implementation of the recommendations in the CDC Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular Infections pertaining to MDVs and 48-hour administration set changes are cost-effective. Application of antibiotic ointment to cut-down sites is also cost-effective. Although not stated in the guideline, reserving antibiotic ointment only for IV lines inserted in one site more than 3 days would appear to be cost-effective. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of using IV in-line filters cannot be determined on the basis of current existing data. More information is needed pertaining to the effect of filtration on infection rates and the cost of filtration versus the cost of a case of phlebitis.