Does the use of hydrochloric acid damage silicone rubber central venous catheters?
BACKGROUND
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is commonly used to clear obstructions in central venous catheters (CVC).


METHODS
To determine if HCl adversely affects the integrity of a CVC we infused 0.1 N HCl daily into CVC in vitro. At weekly intervals sections of the CVC were removed and examined using scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Over 8 weeks, no damage to the CVC was visible.


CONCLUSIONS
HCl administration poses no threat to the structural integrity of a CVC.
Shulman
R J
RJ
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas, USA.
Barrish
J P
JP
Hicks
M J
MJ
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid