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Updated: Aug 23, 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
Disinfection of needleless connectors to reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacterial load
Patrícia Kuerten Rocha1, Claire M Rickard2, Ana Cristina Gales3
1Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Nursing Department, Paediatric Area, Gepesca Laboratory, Florianópolis, Brazil; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil; Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
Highlights:
Compare effectiveness of chemical disinfectants in reducing S. aureus. Five disinfectants reduced the bacterial load, especially chlorhexidine solutions. Focus on Brazilian clinical practice of needleless connector disinfection.
Purpose:
This study aimed to gain further knowledge about the comparative effectiveness of chemical disinfectants in reducing the bacterial load of NCs inoculated with S. aureus.
Methods:
Disinfection of needleless connectors was undertaken in vitro against S. aureus comparing 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA), 70% ethanol, 0.5% and 2% chlorhexidine in 70% IPA applied with gauze, and 70% IPA single-use cap (Site-Scrub®).
Results:
All disinfectants reduced the bacterial load (P<0.001), especially the chlorhexidine solutions. Mechanical friction should follow guidelines.
Conclusion:
This study found that all tested disinfectants effectively reduced the bacterial load and more clinical studies must be developed with a focus on the Brazilian clinical practice of needleless connector disinfection.
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