There is no definitive concrete answer to your question. Biofilm is most commonly the source of CRBSI. With in the first 7-10 days after insertion, there is a greater amount of biofilm on the extraluminal side of the catheter. The skin of patient and caregivers is the source of the organisms forming this biofilm. After this period, the risk shifts to intraluminal biofilm coming from organisms entering through the catheter hub. This risk comes from all we do to manipulate the hub - flushing, locking, changing needleless connectors and admin sets, drawing blood samples, etc.
There is no definitive concrete answer to your question. Biofilm is most commonly the source of CRBSI. With in the first 7-10 days after insertion, there is a greater amount of biofilm on the extraluminal side of the catheter. The skin of patient and caregivers is the source of the organisms forming this biofilm. After this period, the risk shifts to intraluminal biofilm coming from organisms entering through the catheter hub. This risk comes from all we do to manipulate the hub - flushing, locking, changing needleless connectors and admin sets, drawing blood samples, etc.
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