Forum topic

I would word the policy to state ..to change the dressing every 48 hours if using guaze (rather than the wording if unable to see the insertion site). Then word ..change weekly is using transparent dressing. 48 hours is CDC recommendations for gauze.

The purpose of being able to see the catheter-skin junction is to see when redness or edema or leaking is occurring. Gauze and tape dressing prevent direct observation while a transparent dressing allows it. I am curious to know why you will be placing a Biopatch on all CVCs. Do you have a documented problem with exit site infections with percutaneous CVCs or a problem with CRBSI? Will you be placing the Biopatch on tunneled catheter as well? Just remember that the Biopatch is going to reduce the risk of organisms coming from the skin but will have prevent organisms from entering through the hub. If you have a documented problem in your facility and you begin Biopatch use, I would closely tract the infection rates to see what changes in these rates. I would be less concerned about being able to see the catheter-skin junction with the use of a Biopatch because of the impregnation with CHG and it ability to reduce the infection risk. You would still be able to see fluid leaking from the puncture site and this would indicate problems other than infection. Lynn