Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Antiseptic barrier caps to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections: A systematic review and
Veerle E L M Gillis1, Marijn J van Es1, Yannick Wouters1
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Background:
Reliable and safe venous access is crucial for patients using central venous catheters (CVC). However, such CVCs carry a risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Antiseptic barrier caps (ABCs) are a novel tool in the armamentarium for CVC disinfection. Our aim was to review the efficacy and safety of ABCs.
Method:
A literature search was conducted using MedLine, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and CINAHL. Primary aim was to compare CLABSI rates in patients using ABCs versus standard care. Secondary aims included efficacy of ABCs in relevant subgroups (age, ABC brand, clinical setting), safety, compliance, and costs. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis.
Results:
In total, 391 CLABSIs in 273,993 catheter days occurred in the intervention group versus 620 CLABSIs in 284,912 days in the standard care group, resulting in a risk ratio of 0.65 (95%CI 0.55-0.76; P < .00001). Subgroup analyses showed similar effects, except for nonintensive care unit. In general, ABCs were safe, highly appreciated by patients and caregivers, and cost-effective, while compliance was easy to monitor. In most studies, a substantial risk of bias was observed.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while available evidence suggests that ABCs are effective, safe, easy in use, and cost-effective. However, due to the poor methodological quality of most available studies, more robust data should justify their use at this point.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
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,...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...