It has been recommended that with the new BARD PICC SOLO as with other integrated valve catheters that a NEGATIVE cap should not be used to cover the hub--Our Home Health Nurses get supplies from 11 different Pharmacies--Whiat Brand of Cap/Valve is considered Negative? and should therefore be avoided when using these type of Catheters--And if you are using a Nuetral Cap on these type of Catheters what brand do you recommend--Thank you in Advance for your Responses Â
The only real source of this information is directly from the catheter manufacturer in writing. Why can a negative displacement connector not be used? If the only reason is because they promote blood reflux, this can be overcome by correct flushing technique. All split septum/blunt cannula systems are negative displacement, plus many other brands of luer-activated valves.
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
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems
I think there is a misconception here. A negative presasure cap does not do any damage to the valve in PowerPICC Solo or any other valved catheter. The concern is reflux and not optimal performance of a valve. What happens is a negative cap causes reflux when the mechanism for flush is activated and the syringe is withdrawn with any catheter.
Bottom line to usae a negative pressure cap with any cathetrt valved or non valved. A negative pressure cap must be used with positive pressure flush while disconnecting or when closing a slide clamp. As there is no slide clamps on any valved PICC line of any type one must add an extension set with a slide clamp or flush while disconnecting ( this can sometimes be difficult with some needless systems therefore an extension set with clamp is used).
There is no manufacturing issue that would preclude one from using a negative cap on a valved catheter of any manufacturer including Groshong, PasV, and PowerPICC Solo. The risk is reflux unless positive pressure is maintained. With an open ended catheter one closes the clamp while flushing as reflux occurs in these as well.
Hope that clears up negative pressure needless systems and valved/nonvalved PICC lines. All PICC lines can have reflux from negative pressure caps and always have. Positive pressure flush is crucial to clear reflux out of catheter tip.
kathy
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems