Anyone in the group who might have more information about this topic? I am asked by a nephrologist about alternative locking solutions. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
In several lab studies, heparin has been shown to increase the growth of biofilm. Please note these are in vitro (lab) studies, not in vivo (clinical) studies. At present, we do not have any studies that have shown a link between heparin locking and an increase in CRBSI. At present, there are no alternative locking solutions on the US market in a prefilled single dose unit. Ash Access was introducing a multidose vial of a combo product of citrate, methylene blue and parabens, but I am not sure if it is available yet. There is also bags of 4% citrate that is available from Baxter, but these must be used to fill syringes under a laminar air flow hood and not have this bag hung up in a med room for multiple uses on multiple patients. Ethanol, citrate, taurolidine, EDTH, and numerous combinations of these solutions have been studied in Europe and the UK. But the only place to get them in the US would be from a compounding pharmacy. Lynn
In several lab studies, heparin has been shown to increase the growth of biofilm. Please note these are in vitro (lab) studies, not in vivo (clinical) studies. At present, we do not have any studies that have shown a link between heparin locking and an increase in CRBSI. At present, there are no alternative locking solutions on the US market in a prefilled single dose unit. Ash Access was introducing a multidose vial of a combo product of citrate, methylene blue and parabens, but I am not sure if it is available yet. There is also bags of 4% citrate that is available from Baxter, but these must be used to fill syringes under a laminar air flow hood and not have this bag hung up in a med room for multiple uses on multiple patients. Ethanol, citrate, taurolidine, EDTH, and numerous combinations of these solutions have been studied in Europe and the UK. But the only place to get them in the US would be from a compounding pharmacy. Lynn
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
Thanks Lynn. I appreciate your response.
Angelo M. Aguila, MSN, RN, VA-BC
Vascular Access Nurse
[email protected]