title: Preventing infection in intravenous therapy.
abstract: Any part of an infusion system--not just the cannula, its most distal portion--may be at fault when sepsis complicates IV therapy. Detailed here are both intrinsic and extrinsic meachanisms by which contamination may occur; recommendations such as more widespread use of steel scalp needles and early termination of infusions are given. The special requirements of total parenteral nutrition systems are defined.
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004340:Drug Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D009339:Needles; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000009:adverse effects; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010969:Plastics; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013232:Steel; D013492:Suppuration; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D013232:Steel