Table 4.

Principles of infection prevention for vascular access

For peripheral venous access: Thorough hand washing Non‐sterile gloves Skin disinfection with 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol For peripheral arterial access. As above but this will generally require sterile gloves to allow procedural palpation of the artery, and direct handling of needle, guidewire and catheter. For central vascular access devices: Aseptic hand washing Sterile gown, gloves, hat, facemask Surface disinfection with 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol (or povidone iodine in those sensitive to chlorhexidine), with air‐drying Large sterile barrier drapes preference for upper extremity catheters Once sited: appropriate anchorage and dressings; aseptic access techniques; daily site review; and removal at the earliest opportunity.