The effect of 2 M hydrochloric acid on silicone rubber central venous catheters.
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that the instillation of 2 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) can clear bacterial and fungal colonization in central venous catheters (CVCs). The aim of the study was to determine the physical effect of HCl on the inner surface of silicone rubber Hickman CVCs.


METHODS
Five CVCs had 2 M HCl installed and 5 CVCs had saline installed for 30 minutes once a week for 12 weeks. Before instillation and after infusion, a section of each CVC was removed and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The examination was blinded.


RESULTS
Over 12 weeks no damage was detected in the CVCs. There was no difference between the CVCs flushed with saline compared with those flushed with HCl.


CONCLUSIONS
Repetitive instillation of 2 M HCL in CVCs did not cause electron microscopically detectable damage of the silicone rubber CVCs.
Carlsen
Emma Malchau
EM
Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark.
Severinsen
Stig
S
Kehlet
Ulla
U
Schroeder
Henrik
H
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000382:microbiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012408:Rubber; D012828:Silicones
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012828:Silicones; D012408:Rubber; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid