Table 1 Interventions to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) infection
From: Prevention of central venous catheter-related infection in the intensive care unit
• Use protocols for catheter insertion and maintenance |
• Check for adequate training, experience, and numbers of nurses caring for patients with CVC |
• Use antimicrobial-coated CVCs if the incidence of catheter-related infection remains high despite adherence to guidelines and recommended measures |
• Use maximal sterile-barrier precautions during catheter insertion |
• Insert catheters using the subclavian venous site |
• Use ultrasound guidance during catheterization (?) |
• Consider tunneling if subclavian access is not possible and the CVC is anticipated to be in situ for more than 7 days |
• Clean hands with an alcohol-based handrub solution before any manipulation of the infusion line |
• Change dressings not more frequently than 7 days if not soiled, wet, or unstuck |
• Avoid the use of antibiotic prophylaxis at catheter insertion, and antibiotic ointments or inline filters during catheter maintenance |
• Use the enteral route or peripheral venous access instead of the CVC as soon as possible |
• Do not schedule routine catheter changes |
• Remove catheters when they are no longer needed |