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Infection control and related issues in intravascular therapy
1Homerton Hospital, Hackney, London.
The use of Intravascular (i.v.) catheters has become an increasingly common practice in today's healthcare setting. This increase, however, brings associated problems. An overview of the current literature surrounding i.v. devices and infection control issues was undertaken. This included: the pathogenesis of infection with reference to local and systemic complications; the importance of handwashing; the influence of catheter material and type on infection rates; the controversy over skin preparation and whether it is best to use povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine or an antibiotic ointment; insertion techniques; the duration of line placement; the dilemma over the choice of dressing, i.e. gauze vs transparent; nurses' responsibilities in relation to the UKCC standards and professional accountability; safety issues; and the main principles surrounding the safe disposal of sharps. To conclude, this overview finds that all healthcare professionals must be held accountable for every aspect of i.v. therapy, including the control of infection.
The use of Intravascular (i.v.) catheters has become an increasingly common practice in today's healthcare setting. This increase, however, brings associated problems. An overview of the current literature surrounding i.v. devices and infection control issues was undertaken. This included: the pathogenesis of infection with reference to local and systemic complications; the importance of handwashing; the influence of catheter material and type on infection rates; the controversy over skin preparation and whether it is best to use povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine or an antibiotic ointment; insertion techniques; the duration of line placement; the dilemma over the choice of dressing, i.e. gauze vs transparent; nurses' responsibilities in relation to the UKCC standards and professional accountability; safety issues; and the main principles surrounding the safe disposal of sharps. To conclude, this overview finds that all healthcare professionals must be held accountable for every aspect of i.v. therapy, including the control of infection.