Our lines are pulled frequently and cultured due to suspected infection and MDs want them immediately replaced. I have heard there should be a 24-48hr waiting period prior to reinsertion of new line. What is rationale for this and is this a CDC guideline? Is this statement in writing somewhere? I would like to take the information for review in our IV department.
CDC Guidelines only address prevention of infection. You need the following article which is a set of guidelines published by the Infectious Disease Society of America on management of infection:
1. Mermel L, Farr B, Sherertz R, et al. Guidelines for the management of intravascular catheter-related infections. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2001;24(3):180-205.
The answer to your question depends upon many factors discussed in this paper.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861