Archive March 2009
Central line misplacement
Intravenous literature: Rath, G.P., Bithal, P.K., Toshniwal, G.R., Prabhakar, H. and Dash, H.H. (2009) Saline flush test for bedside detection of misplaced subclavian vein catheter into ipsilateral internal jugular vein. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 102(4), p.499-502. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most common misplacement during subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization is into the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (IJV). Chest radiography is the [...]
CLABSI rates 1997-2007
Intravenous literature: Burton, D.C., Edwards, J.R., Horan, T.C., Jernigan, J.A. and Fridkin, S.K. (2009) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus central line-associated bloodstream infections in US intensive care units, 1997-2007. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association. 301(7), p.727-736. No abstract available. More IV news at IVTEAM
Central line IV dressings
Intravenous literature: Keene, D., Hennessey, I. and Rakoczy, G. (2009) Central venous line dressings: can you stick it?. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 44(2), p.432-5. Abstract: AIM: The objective of this study is to investigate which central venous catheter dressing is most secure. BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter insertion is a common procedure. A secure dressing is essential to prevent [...]
CVC related endocarditis
Intravenous literature: Ahmed, M.S., Nistal, C., Jayan, R. and Kuduvalli, M.H. (2009) Achromobacter xylosoxidans, an emerging pathogen in catheter-related infection in dialysis population causing prosthetic valve endocarditis: a case report and review of literature. Clinical Nephrology. 71(3), p.350-4. Abstract: Introduction: Dialysis catheter-related infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis. In recent [...]
CVP versus PAC
Intravenous literature: Jules-Elysee, K.M., Yadeau, J.T. and Urban, M.K. (2009) Pulmonary artery versus central venous catheter monitoring in the outcome of patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacement. Hss Journal. 5(1), p.27-30. Abstract: Bilateral total knee replacement (BTKR) has been associated with a higher incidence of fat embolism (FES) compared to single knee replacement. Consequently, intraoperative monitoring with a [...]
Heparin-bonded central lines
Intravenous literature: Anton, N., Cox, P.N., Massicotte, M.P., Chait, P., Yasui, Y., Dinyari, P.M., Marzinotto, V. and Mitchell, L.G. (2009) Heparin-bonded central venous catheters do not reduce thrombosis in infants with congenital heart disease: a blinded randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics. 123(3), p.e453-8. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infants with congenital heart disease who require central venous lines are at increased [...]
Emergency haemodialysis access
Intravenous literature: Frampton, A.E., Kessaris, N., Hossain, M., Morsy, M. and Chemla, E.S. (2009) Use of the femoral artery route for placement of temporary catheters for emergency haemodialysis when all usual central venous access sites are exhausted. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 24(3), p.913-8. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Urgent dialysis via a temporary central line may be impossible when all central [...]
Vascular access skin preparation
Intravenous literature: Stonecypher, K. (2009) Going around in circles: is this the best practice for preparing the skin? Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 32(2), p.94-8. Abstract: Hospital-acquired infections, which include bloodstream infections and surgical site infections, result in high rates of morbidity and mortality in the United States annually. Proper aseptic care of the skin prior to [...]
Drug interactions
Intravenous literature: Shepherd, M. (2009) A guide to understanding and managing drug interaction. Nursing Times. 105(5), p.21. Abstract: Medicines Management series. Causes and mechanisms of drug interactions. The differences between pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions are briefly explained and management is discussed, highlighting the need for medication review. More IV news at IVTEAM
External jugular cannulation
Intravenous literature: Pettit, J. (2009) External Jugular Cannulation in Infants and Children. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 32(2), p.93-97. Abstract: Placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is commonplace in infants and children for the infusion of medications, hydration, and nutritional solutions. Vein depletion caused by repeated and prolonged need for vascular access devices has [...]
Primary hyperparathyroidism review
Intravenous literature: Owens, B.B. (2009) A Review of Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 32(2), p.87-92. Abstract: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the inappropriate secretion of parathyroid hormone and is the most common cause of hypercalcemia. Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are asymptomatic, and the disease is more common in postmenopausal women than in older men. Primary [...]
CRBSI literature review
Intravenous literature: Meyer, J. (2009) A Broad-Spectrum Look at Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: Many Aspects, Many Populations. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 32(2), p.80-86. Abstract: The issue of central vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections is prominent in medical literature and practice today, both in the United States and throughout the international healthcare community. In its 2002 report on Guidelines [...]
Infusion phlebitis treatment
Intravenous literature: Reis et al (2009) Pharmacological Interventions to Treat Phlebitis: Systematic Review. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 32(2), p.74-79. Abstract: This study presents a systematic review for evaluating effective pharmacological actions for the treatment of phlebitis stemming from infusion therapy. The studies reviewed were categorized according to the type of therapeutic approach proposed by the author [...]
Insulin overdose death
Intravenous news: A nurse used a regular ‘IV’ syringe to administer insulin rather than an insulin syringe. “A newly-qualified community
Biopatch randomized controlled trial
Intravenous literature: Timsit, J.F., et al (2009) Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Sponges and Less Frequent Dressing Changes for Prevention of Catheter-Related Infections in Critically Ill Adults A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 301(12), p.1231-1241. Click here to view the full article. Context: Use of a chlorhexidine gluconate–impregnated sponge (CHGIS) in intra-vascular catheter dressings may reduce catheter-related infections (CRIs). Changing catheter dressings every 3 [...]
Synthetic human blood
Intravenous news: BBC News report that “UK scientists plan a major research project to see if synthetic human blood can be made from embryonic stem cells. Led by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, the three year trial could provide an unlimited supply of blood for emergency transfusions. The blood should be free of infections like the human [...]
Anti-bacterial coating research
Intravenous news: News-Medical.net report that “Researchers at the University of Bath are to be part of a 3 million Euros Europe-wide research collaboration to pioneer research into safer, more effective anti-bacterial plastics and coatings that can be used in items such as food packaging, medical devices to wound dressings, and nappies. The Bath team has developed [...]
Cleans hands save lives
Intravenous news: The Star Online report the clean hands save lives. “Hand hygiene is important. We all know that. But its practice remains capricious even in healthcare centres. Now hospitals are taking active measures to improve. It was a busy day in the outpatient emergency department – one of those days where patients needing drips, oxygen [...]
CLABSI reduction by 90%
Intravenous news: InfectionControlToday.com report “Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) fell by more than 90 percent during the past three years at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania due to a multi-pronged approach combining leadership initiatives, electronic infection surveillance, checklists to guide line insertion and maintenance, and implementation of the Toyota Production System to encourage best [...]
Material resists biofilm growth
Intravenous news: InfectionControlToday.com report on the “tale of two biological substances — cells from mammals and bacteria. It’s a story about the havoc these microscopic entities can wreak on all manner of surfaces, from mighty ships to teeth and medical devices, and how two SyracuseUniversity researchers are discovering new ways to prevent the damage. Under moist [...]
Pulse oximetry detects fluid volume
Intravenous products: Masimo the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry and Measure-Through Motion and Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry, today announce that a new clinical study, independently conducted by researchers from the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), demonstrates that Masimo PVI accurately and reliably reflects acute changes in intravascular fluid volume (preload). The study, presented at the International Anesthesia Research [...]
IV Station from Health Robotics
Intravenous products: PharmacyEurope.net report that a “US medical technology firm has unveiled a robot designed to deliver accurate and efficient intravenous (IV) mixtures to patients in a safe and cost effective way. The IV Station from Health Robotics can automatically mix compounds while producing ready to administer IV doses in a variety of syringes, bags, vials, and [...]
FDA insulin pen alert
Intravenous news: News-Medical.net report that the “U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert to health care professionals reminding them that single-patient insulin pens and insulin cartridges should not be used to administer medication to multiple patients due to the potential risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and the hepatitis viruses. Insulin pens [...]
IV dressing change frequency
Intravenous literature: Vokurka, S., Bystricka, E., Visokaiova, M,. and Scudlova, J. (2009) Once- versus twice-weekly changing of central venous catheter occlusive dressing in intensive chemotherapy patients: results of a randomized multicenter study. Medical Science Monitor. 15(3), p.CR107-10), 1643-3750. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Changing a central venous catheter occlusive dressing on a twice-weekly basis is usually recommended in hemato-oncological patients. A longer interval [...]
Blood culture incubator time
Intravenous literature: Kerremans, J.J., van der Bij, A.K., Goessens, W., Verbrugh, H.A. and Vos, M.C. (2009) Needle-to-incubator transport time: logistic factors influencing transport time for blood culture specimens. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 47(3), p.819-22. Abstract: The maximum recommended transport time for blood cultures is 4 h [L. S. Garcia (ed.), 2007 Update: Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, 2nd [...]
Central line care bundles
Intravenous news: The following question was recently put forward on MedScape.com “I have seen many references to “bundles” lately. What are bundles, and how can they be used to prevent infection in the ICU setting”? Which is answered by Professor Ruth M. Kleinpell. “Bundles” have emerged as frameworks for addressing clinical healthcare conditions with evidence-based practices. A [...]
Zero CLABSI bundles
Intravenous news: The number of critically ill patients catching infections while in hospital is falling, new figures reveal. New care procedures put in place as part of the two-year 1,000 Lives campaign in Wales are behind the fall in infections. Fewer patients who are on ventilators are contracting pneumonia in Wales and there has been a [...]
TauroLock catheter lock solution
Intravenous products: The Peninsula (Qatar) has reported on TauroLock, an anti-microbial catheter lock solution that prevents catheter-related bloodstream infections in dialysis, oncology and parenteral nutrition, got the nod of the Infection Control Department of the Hamad Medical Corporation and the Al Amal Hospital. “We got a positive response from the oncology department of the Hamad and [...]
Safe IV injection technique
Intravenous news: OHS report on APIC tips for reducing infection risk in outpatient clinics. One aspect they focus upon is safe intravenous (IV) injection techniques, stating “In 2008, more than 60,000 people were notified of their risk of hepatitis C due to reuse of syringes at a Nevada endoscopy clinic. There have also been reports of [...]
Inadvertent arterial injection
Intravenous literature: Shukla, A.N., Ghaffar, Z.B.A. and Joshi, S.C. (2009) Inadvertent intra arterial injection of rocuronium: a case report. Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 19(1), p.17. Abstract: Accidental intra-arterial injection of drugs is a potentially dangerous complication of intravenous therapy. All the personnel using intravenous therapy must be aware of this possibility and signs symptoms and management [...]
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy
Intravenous literature: Kirmse, J. (2009) The nurse’s role in administration of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Home Healthcare Nurse. 27(2), p.104. Abstract: Intravenous immunoglobulin is a valuable therapeutic agent for many patients with primary immune deficiency disorders and for some with secondary immunodeficiency, and its use has expanded to other areas such as neurologic, hematologic, and infectious disorders. [...]
Self-administration IV therapy
Intravenous literature: Bygum, A., Andersen, K.E. and Mikkelsen, C.S. (2009) Self-administration of intravenous C1-inhibitor therapy for hereditary angioedema and associated quality of life benefits. European Journal of Dermatology. 19(2), p.147-51. Abstract: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is often debilitating with a serious effect on quality of life (QOL). Treatment of acute HAE attacks is usually with C1 esterase [...]
HepC after needlestick
Intravenous literature: Gruener, N.H., Heeg, M., Obermeier, M., Ulsenheimer, A., Raziorrouh, B., Diepolder, H., Zachoval, R. and Jung, M.C. (2009) Late appearance of hepatitis C virus RNA after needlestick injury: necessity for a more intensive follow-up. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 30(3), p.299-300. Abstract not available. More IV news at IVTEAM
Needlestick-prevention devices
Intravenous literature: De Carli, G., Puro, V., Studio Italiano Rischio Occupazionale da HIV (SIROH) Group and Jagger, J. (2009) Needlestick-prevention devices: we should already be there. Journal of Hospital Infection. 71(2), p.183-4. Abstract not available. More IV news at IVTEAM
Needlestick injury advice
Intravenous literature: O’Connor, M.B. (2009) Needlestick injury advice in the UK and Ireland. Journal of Hospital Infection. 71(2), p.185-6. Abstract not available. More IV news at IVTEAM
Reducing needlestick injuries
Intravenous literature: Gabriel, J. (2009) Reducing needlestick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers. Nursing Standard. 23(22), p.41-4. Abstract: The risk of needlestick or sharps-related injuries to healthcare staff with statistical data about numbers of injuries, and how blood-borne viruses can be transmitted. Prevention and management of sharps injuries is discussed. More IV news at IVTEAM
Needlestick injury with introcan
Intravenous literature: Pham, M. and Neustein, S.M. (2009) A needlestick injury with the introcan safety needle. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 108(2), p.669-70. Abstract not available. More IV news at IVTEAM
Attitudes toward universal precautions
Intravenous literature: Reda, A.A., Vandeweerd, J.M., Syre, T.R. and Egata, G. (2009) HIV/AIDS and exposure of healthcare workers to body fluids in Ethiopia: attitudes toward universal precautions. Journal of Hospital Infection. 71(2), p.163-9. Abstract: There are no studies describing the attitude of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards universal precautions (UPs) in Ethiopia, in the context of the [...]
Intensive care drug errors
Intravenous literature: The BBC news website reports “Errors in the administration of injected medication in intensive care units occur frequently, a study across 27 countries suggests. Austrian researchers collected data on more than 1,300 patients, 200 of them in the UK, over a 24-hour period. Of the 441 patients affected, seven suffered permanent harm and five died partly [...]
Baxter IV pump alert
Intravenous products: Baxter International Inc. has found more problems with its long-troubled “Colleague” intravenous fluid pumps, including software glitches the company needs to fix and user problems it has advised customers to avoid. The Deerfield, Ill., company sent a letter to customers on Jan. 23, a day after its fourth-quarter earnings call, to highlight the newfound [...]
Alaris IV pump alert
Intravenous products: This Safety Alert informs you about a potential risk when the Alaris® PCA module (model 8120) is used with the Alaris® PC Unit (model 8000 and model 8015) with software versions 8 through 9.1. The Alaris® PCA module can potentially infuse above or below the intended infusion dose. Click here to view the full safety [...]
Betsy McCaughey webinar
Intravenous conference: Pharmacy OneSource, creator of web applications to enable swift and safe healthcare, is pleased to announce an upcoming complimentary webinar: “Hospital Infection: Essential New Information to Support Cleaning and Screening.” Betsy McCaughey, Ph.D., former Lieutenant Governor of New York State and Chairman/Founder of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths (RID), will provide startling new [...]
Safe practices webinar
Intravenous conference: To guide healthcare systems in providing care that is free from error and harm the National Quality Forum (NQF) is releasing its 2009 Safe Practices for Better Healthcare. To accelerate the pace of adoption of Safe Practices nationwide, a year-long Webinar series will begin in April to provide Safe Practices implementation strategies and commentary [...]
Baxter charitable donations
Intravenous news: Baxter International Inc. and The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter, today announced their combined 2008 charitable giving, which focused on increasing access to healthcare, helping developing nations and countries in crisis, and addressing other critical community needs. In 2008, combined giving from the company and its foundation totaled nearly $44 million, [...]
Safe transfusion practice
Intravenous literature: Oldham, J., Sinclair, L. and Hendry, C. (2009) Right patient, right blood, right care: safe transfusion practice. British Journal of Nursing, 18(5), p.312-320. Blood transfusion therapy can save and enhance patients’ lives but careful consideration must be given to the associated dangers. Nurses must have the skills and knowledge required to care for patients receiving [...]
Vacuette safety needle system
Intravenous products: MedPro Safety Products Inc. is undergoing safety testing for a product known as the Vacuette Premium Safety Needle System, a self-capping needle used for drawing blood. The goal of the system is to eliminate accidental sticks with a used needle by eliminating any chance of human error. Walter Weller, president and chief operating officer [...]
Extravasation injury compensation
Intravenous news: A Lancashire hospital has paid out £90,000 to a man who sued them after doctors saved his life. Michael Dexter, 58, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary in December 2002, after swallowing pills washed down with rum and cola. Doctors at Blackburn Royal Infirmary saved his life but gave him an excessive amount of neutralising [...]
Positive‐pressure mechanical valves
Intravenous literature: Edgar, K. (2009) Letter to the Editor: Does the Evidence Support the SHEA‐IDSA Recommendation on the Use of Positive‐Pressure Mechanical Valves? Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 30(4), p.402-403. Click here to view the letter page. Click here to view the full text of the original article. Marshall, J. et al (2008) Supplement Article: SHEA/IDSA Practice Recommendation. [...]
Baxter webinar
Intravenous conference: Baxter Healthcare Corporation via the TargetBSI website announces it will present the Webinar, “CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN): What Are We Learning?” on Tuesday, March 17 at 12 p.m. ET and on Thursday, March 19 at 2 p.m. ET. The speaker is Mary Andrus, BA, RN, CIC, of Surveillance Solutions, who has worked [...]
Needlestick reduction
Intravenous products: A Sheffield-based healthcare company, B Braun Medical, is helping to prevent needlestick injuries to NHS staff. The company’s patented safety device, which eliminates the risk of being accidentally stuck or scratched by needles when delivering medication through a cannula, has already been snapped up by more than 70 UK NHS trusts. And those who have [...]
Alteplase dosing error
Intravenous products: The FDA state that in a recent report, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices warned about the possibility of prescribing and administering the wrong dose of alteplase when the indication for the drug is not specified. ISMP described a case of a patient in an interventional radiology department who suffered respiratory arrest from a [...]
Phenergan claim
Intravenous news: The US Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that pharmaceutical companies can be sued over serious side effects of drugs even when warning labels have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. The 6-3 ruling against the drug maker Wyeth opens the door to litigation in thousands of similar cases, lawyers say. The high court found [...]
Baxa acquired ForHealth Tech
Intravenous products: Baxa Corp., involved in packaging and administering medications, said Tuesday it has acquired ForHealth Technologies, Inc., a Florida-based healthcare robotics and software company. Englewood-based Baxa said the acquisition is “a strategic expansion of its focus on health-system pharmacy automation and IV-room productivity.” Terms were not disclosed. The deal brings to Baxa the pharmacy management products [...]
Intravenous (IV) conference 2009
The IPS have announced the details of the IV Conference that is running in conjunction with the Infection Prevention 09 Conference. The new IV Forum will be presenting their first full day’s programme in conjunction with the main IPS conference programme on Tuesday 22nd September. This session is aimed primarily at people working in IV therapy but [...]
Hand washing video
Intravenous news: CancerNursing.org have provided a free video on Hand Washing Technique. The video is presented by Charlotte Johnson, Hand Hygiene Facilitator at Cumbria NHS in the UK. CancerNursing.org also provide a number of free online courses on subjects such as peripheral IV cannulation and Peripherally Inserted CEntral Catheters (PICC). Click here to view the hand [...]
Post-insertion central line care
Intravenous literature: Shapey, I.M., Foster, M.A., Whitehouse, T., Jumaa, P. and Bion, J.F. (2009) Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections: improving post-insertion catheter care. Journal of Hospital Infection. 71(2), p.117-22. Abstract: Patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) are at increased risk of bloodstream infections and sepsis-related death. CVC-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are costly and account for a [...]
Central line dwell time
Intravenous literature: Mer, M., Duse, A.G., Galpin, J.S. and Richards, G.A. (2009) Central venous catheterization: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Clinical & Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 15(1), p.19-26. Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are extensively used worldwide. Mechanical, infectious and thrombotic complications are well described with their use and may be associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased medical [...]
CRBSI treatment
Intravenous literature: Wilcox, M.H., Tack, K.J., Bouza, E., Herr, D.L., Ruf, B.R., Ijzerman, M.M., Croos-Dabrera, R.V., Kunkel, M.J. and Knirsch, C. (2009) Complicated skin and skin-structure infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections: noninferiority of linezolid in a phase 3 study. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 48(2), p.203-12. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) causes substantial morbidity and mortality, [...]
