Microorganisms present on peripheral intravenous needleless connectors in the clinical environment.
The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated. Emergency department insertion and higher patient dependency were statistically associated with positive NC microorganism growth. These results reaffirm the need for NC decontamination prior to access.
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: karen.slater@health.qld.gov.au.
Karen
K
Slater
National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching & Research Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Marie
M
Cooke
Greenslopes Clinical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Michael
M
Whitby
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Fiona
F
Fullerton
Pathology Queensland - Health Support Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Joel
J
Douglas
Pathology Queensland - Health Support Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Jennine
J
Hay
National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching & Research Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Claire
C
Rickard
D000328:Adult; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps / Q000382:microbiology*; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*
Microorganism; Needleless connector; PIVC