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Table 1 New technologies for the prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection

From: Clinical review: New technologies for prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections

Technology

Usefulness

Grade *

Note

Antimicrobial impregnated dressings

   

   Chlorhexidine impregnated sponge dressing

Short-term CVCs

NR

Consider for CVCs expected to be in place for >5 days

   Silver impregnated subcutaneous collagen cuff

Short-term CVCs

NR

Conflicting results in several clinical trials of efficacy

Antimicrobial impregnated catheters

 

IB

Consider if institutional rate of CRBSI is high despite consistent application of preventive measures and CVC is expected to be in place for >5 days

   Chlorhexidine–silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters

Short-term CVCs

 

Only the external surface of the CVC is coated. Not effective for CVCs left in place for >2 weeks

   Minocycline–rifampin impregnated catheters

Short-term and long-term CVCs

 

Both the internal and external surfaces of the CVC are coated. Prolonged antimicrobial activity

Hubs

   

   Catheter hub contained a iodinated alcohol solution

Long-term CVCs

NR

A recent trial failed to show any preventive benefit from the use of this hub

   Povidone–iodine satured sponge

Long-term CVCs

NR

 

Needleless connectors

 

NR

Increased risk for CRBSI associated with improper use

Antimicrobial lock solutions

Long-term CVCs

II

Consider only for patients with recurrent CRBSIs despite consistent application of preventive measures

  1. * Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections [1]. Category IB: strongly recommended for implementation and supported by some experimental, clinical, or epidemiologic studies, and a strong theoretical rationale. Category II: suggested for implementation and supported by suggestive clinical or epidemiologic studies or a theoretical rationale. NR: no recommendations for or against use at this time. CRBSI, catheter-related bloodstream infection; CVC, central venous catheter.