Our lines are pulled frequently and cultured due to suspected infection and MDs want them immediately replaced. I have heard there should be a 24-48hr waiting period prior to reinsertion of new line. What is rationale for this and is this a CDC guideline? Is this statement in writing somewhere? I would like to take the information for review in our IV department.
CDC Guidelines only address prevention of infection. You need the following article which is a set of guidelines published by the Infectious Disease Society of America on management of infection:
1. Mermel L, Farr B, Sherertz R, et al. Guidelines for the management of intravascular catheter-related infections. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2001;24(3):180-205.
The answer to your question depends upon many factors discussed in this paper.
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