Do you have any evidence to support the use of a stopcock on a line versus a bifurcated/trifucated piece at the hub of the catheter. We are working to standardize our line set ups and would appreciate any advice. Also, what is your opinion or is there any evidence about having a manifold device close to the insertion site of a PICC catheter. We have found the use of this device close to the hub can pull on the line and contribute to migration. Thanks for any suggestions or advice.
Get rid of stopcocks and manifolds with stopcocks! These devices have a track record of increasing the risk of infection in your catheters. This is discussed in the 2011 CDC guidelines, the new document from The Joint Commission, and the 2011 INS Standards of Practice. Use a multiple lumen extension set instead of these stopcocks. Just be aware of the fact that neither of these systems would allow you to infuse incompatible medications simultaneously. The only way to do that is to have a multiple lumen catheter. 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