Microorganisms present on peripheral intravenous needleless connectors in the clinical environment
Author(s)
Slater, Karen
Cooke, Marie
Whitby, Michael
Fullerton, Fiona
Douglas, Joel
Hay, Jennine
Rickard, Claire
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2017
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated. Emergency department insertion and higher patient dependency were statistically associated with positive NC microorganism growth. These results reaffirm the need for NC decontamination prior to access.The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated. Emergency department insertion and higher patient dependency were statistically associated with positive NC microorganism growth. These results reaffirm the need for NC decontamination prior to access.
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Journal Title
American Journal of Infection Control
Volume
45
Issue
8
Subject
Nursing
Health services and systems
Public health