I have a question regarding maximun barrier, in particular the drape used over the patient. The 2011 CDC guidelines state "a sterile full body drape". My question is does this mean it must be a one piece drape or can it be a large drape and a drape with a hole for the insertion site to cover the arm? This may be a matter of semantics but I am curious to see what your thoughts are. Thanks, Kathy
Good point; we use a large 3/4 sheet drape to cover the patient and then I leave the arm out and use a different drape to cover it. Our HCA hospital has come up with a "maximal barrier precaution" kit that has a drape, gown, hair cover, face mask and sterile gloves , they also are making an "assistant kit" however the drape in the inserter kit is more geared towards a physisican inserted line with potential openings in the sublcavian and juglar and wouldnt work for my piccs.
I am thinking the key thing is , that the pt is barriered off. In the past we just prepped and draped the arm. Now we have a full sterile field and eliminate most potential for contamination in our work area.
Thanks, Gina
Gina Ward R.N., VA-BC