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. 1993 Mar;31(3):475–479. doi: 10.1128/jcm.31.3.475-479.1993

Use of disinfectants to reduce microbial contamination of hubs of vascular catheters.

M B Salzman 1, H D Isenberg 1, L G Rubin 1
PMCID: PMC262804  PMID: 8458938

Abstract

The vascular catheter hub is a potential portal of entry for microorganisms that cause catheter-related sepsis. Thus, a reduction in catheter hub contamination might reduce the incidence of catheter-related sepsis. To develop a regimen suitable for reducing microbial contamination of the catheter hub, we experimentally contaminated catheter hubs and assessed the efficacies of disinfectant solutions. Catheter hubs were incubated overnight with suspensions of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Candida parapsilosis. After removal of unattached microorganisms, the catheter hubs were swabbed by rotating cotton swabs dipped in 1% chlorhexidine, 1% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol, 70% ethanol, 97% ethanol, or normal saline. Posttreatment swabs of the catheter hub were obtained and cultured quantitatively. The cleaning regimens containing ethanol were the most effective. Seventy percent ethanol was more effective than chlorhexidine and is likely to be the safest treatment. We conclude that cleaning of the catheter hub with disinfectant can dramatically reduce microbial contamination.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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