Do many places use decontamination protocols for CVAD's with alcohol and alteplase to remove the biofilm and antibiotic locks? If you do use them what levels of success do you have with salvaging the catheters.
I have never seen any successful protocol for "decontaminating" any central venous catheter. Virtually all will have a biofilm and I have read lots about no antibiotics or host defense mechanisms actually penetrating the biofilm. Antibiotic locks are not recommended for prophylactic purposes but there are several studies about using them to treat a CRBSI. Alcohol is also being used to treat but not to routinely flush lines. So I don't think you will find what you are looking for. To date, the best methods to prevent intraluminal contamination is to use strict technique to clean the injection port each and every time you enter with a new alcohol pad, although there is not research on the length of time or method of application. 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