I have been asked to find out if we can use two separate drapes during a central line placement and still meet the requirements for maximum barrier precautions or not. We currently have a full body drape and a separate fenestrated drape for the arm that overlaps the body drape. Does anyone know? I would love to have a reference as well. thanks! Katie
I don't believe that there is any evidence that indicates the number of drapes that are required. The original IHI referenced article didn't indicate a single drape was used. Maximum barrier precautions described by IHI indicate the area covered and not necessarily the number of drapes to cover that area. We have been following the IHI guidelines for maximum barrier precautions for more than 5 years.
We currently use 2 drapes also. Our insertion associated BSIs are nil and we have monitored this for more than 5 years.
Gwen Irwin
Austin, Texas