Ms Julie Flynn1
1Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
The importance of decontaminating needleless connectors prior to accessing central venous access devices is highlighted by clinical practice guidelines. However, the standard decontamination product/solution is still lacking. A 70% alcohol wipe is still commonly used for this purpose, however it is unclear if it is an adequate form of NC decontamination. The use of chlorhexidine in alcohol for skin antisepsis has been widely tested and shown to be superior to other antiseptics prior to device insertion; however, research is lacking on the effectiveness of chlorhexidine in alcohol for the decontamination of needleless connectors.
I propose a pilot RCT comparing: a 70% alcohol wipe; a 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol wipe; and a 70% alcohol impregnated cap, to determine which product will best reduce central line associated bloodstream infection.
This study will prepare the procedures and processes for a larger powered randomised control trial.