Archive December 2008
Happy New Year from IVTEAM
Happy New Year to all those people who visit IVTEAM. We hope you have enjoyed the updates we provide just as much as we enjoy compiling them. We have worked very hard during 2008 to present a no frills IV news website that delivers exactly what it set out to deliver. We wanted to provide IV [...]
Electronic infection tracking
At Hershey Medical Center, a sophisticated computer program serves as a watchdog for infection outbreaks. With a few mouse clicks on a Web browser, the hospital’s infection-control staffers can quickly generate reports with charts and graphs illustrating how many patients within a particular unit are infected, and which lab specimen contained the germs. “It’s more for us [...]
Barcode chip blood testing
A new barcode chip developed by a multi-institutional team of investigators promises to revolutionize diagnostic medical testing. In less than 10 minutes and using just a pinprick’s worth of blood, the chip can measure the concentrations of dozens of proteins, including those that herald the presence of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The device, [...]
Epidemiology of bloodstream infections
Opilla, M. (2008) Epidemiology of bloodstream infection associated with parenteral nutrition. American Journal of Infection Control. 36(10), p.S173.e5-S173.e8. Abstract: Epidemiology - Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) occur in 1.3% to 26.2 % of patients with central venous catheters used to administer parenteral nutrition (PN). Because of their nutritional components, PN solutions can support microbial growth. Contamination during preparation [...]
Intravenous iron management
Bhandari, S. and Naudeer, S. (2008) Intravenous iron management for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease: linking treatment to an outpatient clinic, optimizing service provision and patient choice. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 14(6), p.996-1001. Abstract: Rationale – The National Service Framework advocates correction of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral [...]
Outpatient antibiotic therapy with PICC
Van Winkle, P. and Whiffen, T. (2008) Experience Using Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy in Children at a Community Hospital. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 27(12), p.1069-1072. Abstract: Background: Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) is safe, clinically effective, and cost effective in pediatric populations cared for [...]
Top ten health hazards
In a recent Health Devices guidance article, ECRI Institute, an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care, reveals its 2008 list of the 10 most dangerous health technology hazards facing hospitals. The list—updated annually based on problems reported to and investigated by ECRI Institute—includes detailed descriptions of these hazards, as well as concrete [...]
Free healthcare safety seminar
Intravenous conference: ECRI Institute, an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care, is offering a free educational breakfast seminar, “Hazard and Recall Management: Best Practices,” which will be held at ECRI Institute’s Headquarters in Plymouth Meeting, PA, on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. The seminar is designed for hospital-based biomedical and clinical engineers, materials [...]
Neonatal zero CRBSI
At St. Bernardine Medical Center, doctors and nurses work around the clock to make a difference in the lives of the hospital’s tiniest patients. And as of today, the neonatal intensive care unit, otherwise known as the NICU, where premature babies spend the first days or even months of their lives, has gone 298 days without [...]
How biofilms form
While bacterial cells tend to be rather solitary individuals, they are also known to form intricately structured communities called biofilms. But until now, no one has known the mechanisms that cause isolated bacteria to suddenly aggregate into a social network. New insights from the lab of HarvardMedicalSchool microbial geneticist Roberto Kolter reveal previously unknown communication pathways [...]
Hand washing rules
Doctors and nurses who do not wash their hands could be sacked under new rules to prevent the spread of hospital superbugs. The Scottish Government is to introduce a “zero tolerance” regime on hand hygiene for hospital staff in January. Those who repeatedly fail to comply have been warned they could face disciplinary action when the new [...]
Intramuscular (IM) injection research
Malkin, B. (2008) Are techniques used for intramuscular injection based on research evidence? Nursing Times. 104(50/51), p.48-51. Abstract: The technique for delivering intramuscular injection remains rooted in custom and practice. This literature review examines the evidence on this commonly performed nursing procedure covering all aspects including site and needle selection. More IV news at IVTEAM
CVC parenteral nutrition review
Ainsworth, S., Clerihew, L. and McGuire W. (2007) Percutaneous central venous catheters versus peripheral cannulae for delivery of parenteral nutrition in neonates. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004219. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004219.pub3. Abstract: Background Neonatal parenteral nutrition may be delivered via a peripheral cannula or a central venous catheter (either umbilical or percutaneous). [...]
Needlestick safety and prevention
After 20 years of intense regulatory and legislative activity and innovative changes to the design and handling of needles, U.S. healthcare workers are now significantly safer from needlestick injuries, according to a new study from the University of Virginia International Healthcare Worker Safety Center. “Since the U.S. Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was passed in 2000, [...]
Intravenous medication errors
Intravenous (i.v.) medication errors are twice as likely to cause harm to patients as medications delivered by other routes of administration (such as tablets or liquids), according to research commissioned by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This week, ASHP and leading healthcare organizations released recommended actions to prevent these potentially life-threatening events. The recommendations, [...]
Blood donor age limit
The age limit which prevents regular blood donors from continuing to give blood beyond their 70th birthday has been scrapped. The NHS’s Blood and Transplant authority said it was based on the fact that older donors were healthier and fitter than in the past. The change could see an extra 15,000 donations a year across the [...]
Hand washing research
Research conducted by University of Denver (DU) associate professor Renée Botta suggests that it takes ”gross” messaging to get undergraduate students to wash their hands more frequently after going to the bathroom. In the fall quarter of 2007, researchers posted messages in the bathrooms of two DU undergraduate residence halls. The messages said things like, “Poo [...]
Injection alternative
Pain and fear surrounding medical injections could become things of the past with a revolutionary new treatment that allows patients to inhale drugs rather than endure a needle and syringe. Millions being treated for cancer, diabetes and even vaccines are set to be helped by the groundbreaking ‘microcrystal’ treatment created by Scottish scientists. Around one in [...]
Syringe label award
Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based printer of pharmaceutical labels, has won a FINAT Award, a World Label Association Award, a German Packaging Award and the Baxter Award for its packaging innovations. Schreiner MediPharm won the first place award in the screen printing category for its Japanese syringe label at the European FINAT competition. It was then selected [...]
Hemopure clinical trial
U.S. Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) has submitted to the FDA a revised investigational new drug application to begin a clinical trial of Hemopure® [hemoglobin glutamer - 250 (bovine)], a stabilized hemoglobin, for pre-hospital battlefield treatment of trauma patients. The study is entitled “Operation Restore Effective Survival in Shock” (Op RESUS). The drug, a product of [...]
Guide-wire assisted peripheral catheter
Telesso Technologies Limited announced today it has entered into a strategic agreement with Vascular Pathways, Inc. (VPI), a Delaware company based in California, to fund a multi-center clinical trial of VPI’s guidewire device and to potentially acquire VPI. VPI’s technology uses a first-in-class retractable nitinol guidewire system which Telesso anticipates will result in faster and more [...]
MicroAccess WAND FDA approval
Access Scientific, Inc. has received FDA clearance for its MicroAccess WAND(R), the world’s first all-in-one safety introducer. This sophisticated new medical device enables clinicians to more quickly and safely insert a sheath or catheter into the peripheral vasculature. The MicroAccess WAND is the first of several planned WAND devices from Access Scientific to receive FDA clearance. [...]
Blood tracking
The Georgia Tech College of Computing, working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has developed a Web-based tool for tracking blood safety. The tool is expected to help developing countries improve the adequacy and safety of their national blood supplies through better monitoring and evaluation. The tool, which is accessed through a [...]
Syringe pen
Fife Constabulary has condemned the sale of fake syringe pens after one was mistaken for a real syringe on a school bus (writes Aileen Robertson). What appeared to be a blood-filled hypodermic syringe was found on a bus taking pupils home from Denend Primary in Cardenden at the end of day. After it was established the syringe [...]
Intravenous fluid alert
Hospira, Inc., a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, is following up on a nationwide voluntary recall issued Sept. 18 of one lot (lot number 65-620-FW, expiration date May 1, 2010, NDC 0409-7902-09) of 20 mEq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in 1000 mL flexible plastic containers because a [...]
Groshong versus open-ended PICC
This poster publication presents overview of the Groshong® versus Open-ended PICCs and was presented at the following conference: Gavecelt Conference 2008. Thank you to Christel Janssens for granting permission to publish this poster. Click here to view the poster. More IV news at IVTEAM
National IV nurse day
On January 25, infusion nurses and other healthcare professionals will observe National IV Nurse Day. In 1980, the US House of Representatives designated this day each year to honor and recognize the accomplishments of the nation’s infusion nurse specialists, as well as the Infusion Nurses Society (INS). This year’s theme, “IV Nurses—With You Every Step of [...]
Intravenous therapy and self-care
O’Halloran, L., El-Masri, M.M. and Fox-Wasylyshyn, S. (2008) Home Intravenous Therapy and the Ability to
Intradialytic parenteral nutrition
Moore, E. (2008) Challenges of Nutrition Intervention for Malnourished Dialysis Patients. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 31(6), p.361-366. Abstract: Malnutrition, or protein energy wasting (PEW), is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 dialysis (CKD-5). One criterion of PEW strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in CKD-5 dialysis patients is the serum albumin level. [...]
Neonatal infusion
Flint, A. and Davies, M. (2008) The Intravenous Cannula for Newborn Infants Requiring Only Intravenous Medication: Continuous Infusion or Intermittent Flushing?. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 31(6), p.346-349. Abstract: In August 2003, the practice in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital neonatal unit changed to the use of intermittent flushing of intravenous cannulas (instead of running [...]
Intravenous therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Furfaro, N. and Mease, P.J. (2008) Nursing Considerations for Infusion Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Versus Malignancy. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 31(6), p.350-360. Abstract: Therapeutic agents in use for years may receive Food and Drug Administration approval for new indications, challenging infusion nurses to keep in mind differences in therapy for more than 1 disease state. [...]
Prostanoid infusion
Doran, A., Harris, S. and Goetz, B. (2008) Advances in Prostanoid Infusion Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 31(6), p.336-345. Abstract: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare but progressive and life-threatening disease that presents considerable challenges for both the patient and the caregiver. Though complex, intravenous epoprostenol and treprostinil may improve long-term [...]
Double gloving
Wittmann, A., Kralj, N., Köver, J., Gasthaus, K. and Hofmann, F. (2009) Study of Blood Contact in Simulated Surgical Needlestick Injuries With Single or Double Latex Gloving. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1086/593124 Abstract: Objective. Needlestick injuries are the most common injuries that occur among operation room personnel in the health care service. The risk [...]
Bloodstream infection financial costs
Chen, Y-Y., Wang, F-D., Liu, C-Y. and Chou, P. (2009) Incidence Rate and Variable Cost of Nosocomial Infections in Different Types of Intensive Care Units. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1086/592984 Abstract: Objective. Nosocomial infection (NI) is one of the most serious healthcare issues currently influencing healthcare costs. This study estimates the impact of NI [...]
Central line placement case-study
Sethi, N.K., Torgovnick, J., Sethi, P.K. and Arsura, E. (2008) Ipsilateral hemispheric ischaemic hypoxic changes during central line placement: a video-electroencephalogram correlate. Emergency Medicine Journal. 25(12), p.831. Abstract: When venous access is needed for intravenous fluids or antibiotics and a peripheral site is unavailable or not suitable, a central line is placed either in the neck [...]
Intraosseous drill
A new piece of equipment at the Poulsbo Fire Department is putting paramedics on an even faster track when saving lives in the field. The intraosseous drill, better known as an IO drill, is a new technology that allows medication to be infused straight into the bloodstream through a small bone-drilling tool. Though the technology is [...]
Intravenous cannula history
Today we stumbled across another piece of IV history, this time on the Sheffield Museum of Anaesthesia website – click here to view. The website presents various devices of intravenous interest, including the first one-piece plastic IV cannula, introduced by B Braun (Germany) in 1962 as the ‘Braunule’. Imported into the UK by Armour Pharmaceutical Co [...]
IV access training online
An online learning programme is set to be introduced at West Cumberland Hospital. Hospitals throughout North Cumbria (UK) will all benefit from the programme which has been developed by award winning cancer specialist Mark Irving. Courses on offer include: Venepuncture, Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation, and IV drug administration. Director of Nursing for North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS [...]
Latex allergies
Graham Johnson reports that health and safety fears about latex allergy have prompted some NHS trusts and health boards to consider switching from surgical and examination gloves made of natural rubber latex (NRL) to synthetic alternatives. This strategy may be misguided. The 2002 Court of Appeal support for a civil claim for damages by a nurse [...]
BBraun made in Sheffield
B.BRAUN Medical is celebrating 10 years in Sheffield as one of the fastest growing healthcare companies in the country. The UK arm of the global health care giant saw sales leap by 35 per cent to £83.1 million during 2007, and despite continued pressure on costs, is confident of continued expansion. B.Braun Medical is still on course for [...]
Texas Hospital Association endorses MedMined
Cardinal Health and the Texas Hospital Association (THA) announced today that hospitals across Texas have a new way to safeguard patients and combat deadly health care associated infections (HAIs). The Texas Hospital Association and its marketing subsidiary, HealthShare, recently endorsed MedMined™ services from Cardinal Health as an effective tool to help combat HAIs, improve patient care [...]
Vascular access then delayed treatment
Two Hardin County residents have filed suit against Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital and a doctor, alleging their infant son was not treated in a timely or appropriate manner when they brought him to the hospital. Kenneth Brimer and Ashley King claim they brought their son, Alan, to Beaumont’s Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital emergency room on March [...]
Man receives 1500th transfusion
A man who owes his life to 1500 blood donors has called on Scots to donate this Christmas to prevent a “donor deficit”. Willie Mack, 35, from Edinburgh, has just received his 1500th transfusion as part of his treatment for Blackfan Diamond Anaemia. In some sufferers the condition can lead to congenital abnormalities such as [...]
Flexicath Firmgrip aqcuires funding
The Zitelman Group announced today it has led a $600,000 Series B Preferred equity round for Israel-based medical device firm, Flexicath, Ltd. Flexicath received a 510(k) clearance from FDA in October, allowing it to place its FirmGrip(TM) sterile catheter intravenous (IV) system in the U.S. market. The funding will be used to ramp-up U.S. and international [...]
Medegen patent decision reversed
Medegen, a leading innovator in infusion therapy medical products, announced today that it has won an important legal victory in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. The appellate court’s decision reverses a judgment issued by a district court judge in the Central District of California of patent non-infringement [...]
