The INS Competency Validation for accessing a mediport includes the use of a sterile drape--which makes sense to me. Our kits don't include a sterile drape. I thought I should poll the experts on this before proposing to the "powers of change" that we add one.
Do you place a sterile drape around the mediport before accessing?
Thanks, Deb Gnegy
Robbin George RN VA-BC
In the outpatient setting, I use a sterile drape even though they are not in our sterile kits. I also use it as a "bib" for a sterile field and to keep patients clothing from contaminating site, but also to avoid getting any excess prep on patients clothing.
I didn't see use of a sterile drape for accessing an implanted port listed specifically in either the P&P for Infusion Nursing 3rd ed. or the INS standards.
Nancy Rose RN IV Team VA Medical Center Wilmington, DE (800) 461-8262 ext 4830
We use a sterile drape when accessing ports. The drape is included in our central line dressing kit.
To maintain sterility, I lay the prepped extension tubing w/attached sterile flush on the drape while inserting the needle. When I flush I am still sterile. I am not capable of holding on to the syringe and tubing, stabilizing the port and inserting the needle at the same time.
Nancy Rose