Interested in feedback on institutional policies/practices regarding replacement of a catheter valve/connector after a blood draw (not asking in regards to blood cultures). So, do you or do you not replace a catheter valve/connector after drawing labs through it? Please add any supporting statements to either answer.
Thanks!
Mary
Our organization did change the needleless connectors after lab draws when we used the solid connectors you could not see if all of the blood was removed when flushing. (INS Standard 34. H. 3. "the needleless connector should be changed if there is residual blood or debris within the needleless connector" ) We now use a clear needleless connector that we can see that all residual blood has been removed when flushed so we do not change it. Does this help? Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC
I would think that being reliant on whether you can actually see blood is not that important as bacteria growth within the hub does not need enough blood that can be seen. If blood has passed through the hub with sampling I would think that there would be a film enough to allow for bacterial growth. The manufactures of the hubs should have provided enough evidence to facilitate safe lengths of time between hub changes that are used for sampling. If they cannot provide good evidence then find a product that has good evidence for it and feel safer for your patients.
Our organization does the same. If there is visible blood after a 20cc flush then we change the end connector They are scheduled with the dressing to be changed every 7 days and prn
Cheryl Ferraro RN, CRNI