American journal of infection control
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The tested device is a new connecting tool for infusion systems that has been designed to replace conventional single-use stopcocks. Because outbreaks of bloodstream infections have been observed during the use of similar connectors in the United States, we examined the microbiological safety of the connecting device after artificial contamination in the laboratory setting and during routine clinical use. ⋯ The novel connecting device was microbiologically safe and did not increase microbial contamination rates of intravenous infusion systems.
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPrevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients using a disinfectable, needle-free connector: a randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a disinfectable, needle-free connector in the prophylaxis of catheter-related bloodstream infection. ⋯ To add a disinfectable, needle-free connector to the CDC recommendations reduces the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients with central venous catheters.
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2004
ReviewInfection control and its application to the administration of intravenous medications during gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Several infection control practices and procedures crucial to the prevention of disease transmission in the health care setting are reviewed and discussed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of infection control to gastrointestinal endoscopy. Recommendations that minimize the risk of nosocomial infection during the preparation, handling, and administration of intravenous medications, particularly propofol, are provided. These recommendations include the labeling of predrawn syringes; use of sterile single-use syringes, needles, and administration sets for each patient; and, whenever feasible, administration of intravenous medications promptly after opening their prefilled syringes or after opening their ampoules or vials and filling the sterile syringes.
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2004
Assessing the status of infection control programs in small rural hospitals in the western United States.
Organized infection control (IC) interventions have been successful in reducing the acquisition of hospital-associated infections. Rural community hospitals, although contributing significantly to the US health care system, have rarely been assessed regarding the nature and quality of their IC programs. ⋯ Most rural hospitals surveyed have expended reasonable resources to develop IC programs that are patterned after those seen in larger hospitals and conform to recommendations of consensus expert panels. Given these hospitals' small patient census, short length of stay, and low infection rates, further studies are needed to evaluate necessary components of effective IC programs in these settings that efficiently utilize limited resources without compromising patient care.