Does anyone have any information on What is ment in the INS standards by "access" and how long the literature is supports cleaning the connector if using an alcohol wipe? thanks in advance. Katie
Does anyone have any information on What is ment in the INS standards by "access" and how long the literature is supports cleaning the connector if using an alcohol wipe? thanks in advance. Katie
Hello Katie,
Every access means everytime the system is accessed. Every activation of a needleless connector (this means, if you are giving saline, medication, saline, heparin: 4 accesses)
How long is still a matter of debate with different practices out there. In my facility, we use CHG 2% + IPA 70% for 15 seconds ( I can't swear I have full compliance... that is why I am looking into new products) Safer health care now campaign states 15 - 30 seconds. Studies have demonstrated that there are still bacteria on the connector after 15 seconds with alcohol disinfection.
France
France Paquet, RN, MSC, VA-BC(TM), CVAA(c)
Clinical Practice Consultant, IV therapy and Vascular Access
Transition support office
McGill University Health Center
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
France is correct. I served on this INS committee and that is exactly what it means - each time a syringe or IV set is attached to a needleless connector requires a scrubbing with a new alcohol pad. These pads are labeled for single use only, so SASH = 4 accesses = 4 scrubs with 4 different alcohol pads. One in vitro study has found that even 15 seconds does not render these connection surfaces free of bacteria. There are no clinical studies investigating this, so the length of scrub time is still a controversy, however more is better. Lynn
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
just a note surgical scrubbing does not render elimination of bacteria. the key is to reduce the bioload.
Bench studies Simmons critical care (10 second scrub) and Kahler (15 second) demonstrate significant reduction of bioburden
there is nothing that is really sterile after scrubbing Even in OR set up is really not sterile the minute the package is open according the the ANTT.
Kathy