title: Comparison of bacterial CFUs in five intravenous connectors.
abstract: This study determines if there are differences in colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria between five different needleless intravenous connectors. CFUs create environments for bloodstream infections with 1 CFU to begin an infection and 15 to develop infection. Intraluminal pathway protection is a most significant way to eliminate 50% bloodstream infections. Five different connectors were evaluated by independent laboratory in vitro regarding ≥15 CFUs, 4 organisms over 4 days. Q-Syte™ had significantly higher mean number days CFUs ≥15 than all other devices, Rymed-5001(®) having the least (p < .0001). Q-Syte™ and TKO+Clave(®) had significantly more CFUs ≥15 on one or more days. Nonantimicrobial connectors differ on CFU counts in vitro. CFUs are ranked highest to lowest CFUs as follows: Q-Syte™, TKO™Clave(®), MicroCLAVE(®), MaxPlus(®) Clear, and Rymed-5001(®). Best nonantimicrobial connector products for intraluminal protection are Rymed-5001(®) followed by MaxPlus(®) Clear. Using the best connector can significantly prevent infections as part of nursing care.
authors: Medical College of Georgia, Department of Physiological and Technological Nursing, School of Nursing, Augusta, USA. cchernecky@mail.mcg.edu
authors: Cynthia
authors: C
authors: Chernecky
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Waller
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004867:Equipment Design; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation*