In the October 2008 article entitled "A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals" by Yohoe et al published as a supplement to Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology October 2008, volume 29, supplement 1, on page S13, it states: "do not routinely use positive-pressure needleless connectors with mechanical valves before a thorough assessment of risks, benefits, and education regarding proper use." What is a "mechanical valve" versus a non-mechanical valve? We use the CLC 2000 positive pressure valve on all of our central lines and ports. Is the CLC 2000 a "mechanical valve"? Can anyone elaborate or comment on the recommendation made in this journal article? Many thanks! Sherry Herbert RN
The CLC 2000 is a mechanical valve. Other than that, I can't comment on the recommendations of this particular article.
Gwen Irwin
Austin, Texas
You should educate yourself by obtaining the references used in that paper. Look at the reports of increased bloodstream infections being reported. Then do as the report recommends to conduct a thorough assessment of the risks, benefits and the needed education about proper use. I would add that this should be done with **all** brands and types of needleless connectors. Know the risks associated with each type. What are the benefits you expect to receive from that type? Do you have a policy and procedure with details of how to clean - agent, length of time, method, length of drying time? Does your nursing staff adhere to this policy? Do you have frequent audits to document their adherence. What is your current rate of CRBSI? How does this change, if any, when you institute a new needleless connector? How do your nurses manage intermittent and continuous administration sets? Do they adequately cap them between uses and do ******not***** frequently disconnect continuous sets? Do you follow INS standards on these issues. Those are the factors that should be considered.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861