OPAT antimicrobial stability testing guidance – Full Text
“In conclusion, harmonization of antimicrobial stability testing to form a global OPAT-specific regulatory framework, particularly considering ‘areas of variation’ amongst current guidance, is required. We call for the development of a global OPAT antimicrobial stability testing framework with consensus from accepted antimicrobial stability criteria, expert opinion and pharmacopoeial best practice” Naicker et al (2024).
Clinical features of Candida catheter-related bloodstream infections – Full Text
“Total parenteral nutrition may be a major risk factor in the development of Candida CRBSI. CRPCI often leads to persistent fungemia. Early insertion of a new catheter after removal of an infected catheter may be a risk factor for CRPCI” Kobayashi et al (2024).
Review of IV antibiotic use in emergency departments – Full Text
“Administering IV antibiotics as a first dose prior to oral prescriptions upon discharge is common, as is shifting classes from the IV dose to the oral prescription. This offers an opportunity for intervention to improve antibiotic stewardship for ED patients as well as reduce cost and length of stay” Elli et al (2024).
Contaminated blood culture case study – Full Text
“This case highlights the risks associated with empiric antibiotic treatment of patients with suspected bacteremia, the implications associated with improper blood culture collection technique leading to false positive results, and the importance of interpreting a laboratory result within the context of the patient’s clinical status rather than relying solely on Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria” Ordookhanian et al (2024).
Clinical evaluation of the PowerGlide Pro midline catheter – Full Text
“The PowerGlide Pro™ Midline Catheter is a peripheral venous access device with a length of 8-10 cm, allowing the tip to reach far into the venous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dwell time of the catheter” Souri et al (2024).
Home phlebotomy for patients with cancer – Full Text
“Mobile phlebotomy results in high patient satisfaction with superior specimen quality, offering a valuable solution to oncology patients for improved efficiency and convenience” Bange et al (2024).
PICC for OPAT spinal infection treatment – Full Text
“We carried out a retrospective study involving 67 patients who were administered peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for IV antibiotic treatment from January 2020 to December 2022” Bonk et al (2024).
Prevention and management of antineoplastic agent extravasation – Full Text
“The video proved to be an appropriate strategy for instructing interventions on the prevention and management of extravasation, with the potential to improve educational practices among nursing professionals” Barbosa et al (2024).
Venipuncture in oncology patients with difficult venous access – Full Text
“Provision of a smaller gauge UT-PBBCS option during phlebotomy in oncology patients with DVA reduces procedural pain and anxiety and improved phlebotomist’ experience during sample collection” Giussani et al (2024).
Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids – Full Text
“Primary care workplaces where occupational exposure to blood and body fluids may occur should have policies and procedures in place to manage such incidents. All healthcare workers should be immunised against hepatitis B and ideally should have documentation of their antibody response to vaccination” Pierce (2024).
Audiovisual distraction techniques for reducing invasive procedure pain – Full Text
Audiovisual distraction techniques for reducing invasive procedure pain Abstract: Background: Invasive procedures in children can lead to painful and uncooperative procedures. It is essential to
ChatGPT role in understanding radiopharmaceutical extravasation – Full Text
“Based on these results we concluded that ChatGPT may be a reliable resource for patients interested in radiopharmaceutical extravasations. However, these validated and verified ChatGPT responses differed significantly from official positions and public comments regarding radiopharmaceutical extravasations made by the SNMMI and nuclear medicine staff” Alvarez et al (2024).
Intraosseous versus intravenous drug administration in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – Full Text
“These findings suggest that IV access may be superior to IO access in improving outcomes for OHCA patients. However, the high heterogeneity and conflicting results from individual studies highlight the need for careful interpretation and further research” Tabowei et al (2024).
Value of time to positivity in blood cultures – Full Text
“Time to positivity (TTP) refers to the duration required for a microbiological culture test to indicate a positive result, marking the onset of detectable bacterial or fungal growth in the sample. Numerous variables, including patient characteristics, infection source, former antimicrobial therapy, blood sample volume, and sample transportation time can influence the value of TTP” Maffezzoli et al (2024).
Management of residual volumes in intermittent medication infusions
“This review will improve understanding of current practices by examining flushing procedures used in the management of residual volume, identifying instances when residual volume is discarded, documenting effects on dosing, examining the impact on patient outcomes, and examining possible environmental harm from waste disposal of undelivered medication” Rout et al (2024).
Peripheral intravenous catheter standard of care
“Our aim is to provide concise guidance that will enhance and standardize practices related to PIVC. By consolidating current standards of practice into a comprehensive document, our framework seeks to advance the quality of care and improve patient safety” Thompson et al (2024).
Reducing blood culture contamination – Full Text
“The study demonstrated a substantial reduction in blood culture contamination rates through targeted interventions, highlighting the efficacy of combining evidence-based strategies with interdisciplinary teamwork to improve patient care outcomes” Eisenberg et al (2024).
Financial burden of extravasation and infiltration
“Infiltration and extravasation injuries are a common complication of intravenous therapy and vascular access practice. However, there remains a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding these injuries” Barton (2024).
Risk factors for a failed first attempt pediatric subclavian CVC insertion
“The aim of this observational study was to investigate the risk factors of a failed first attempt at pediatric central venous catheter (CVC) placement and its impact on CVC-related morbidity” Jarraya et al (2024).
Decreasing hemolysis rates through phlebotomy education
“The purpose of this project was to investigate the impact providing phlebotomy education to ED staff has on lowering departmental hemolysis rates” Bartolomeo et al (2024).
Reducing venipuncture pain and anxiety in pediatric emergency departments
“Patients who underwent the Koala Attachment Distraction method venipuncture show a lower level of pain and anxiety than those who received physical restraint, and the anxiety perceived by the companion is similar in both groups” Quintela-Sánchez et al (2024).
Comparison of capillary finger stick and venous blood sampling – Full Text
“In conclusion, capillary blood draw is a suitable alternative for venous blood sampling for measuring most of the investigated analytes. This benefits patients with fear of needles and might pave the way for remote self-sampling” Doeleman et al (2024).
Vascular Access and IV Therapy Resource
Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in adult intensive care units – Full Text
“The major sources of bloodstream infection among adult ICU patients were VRE and Candida species. Mortality was common in this population, particularly among patients who were resistant to medication. Hence, strategies to reduce hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are warranted” Albudayri et al (2024).
Virtual reality to offset fear of peripheral intravenous line placement
“Virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a three-dimensional environment, typically via a head-mounted display, has been reported to decrease pain and anxiety during invasive procedures (Indovina et al., 2018)” Miyasaki and Robinson (2024).
Extravasation of intravenous CT contrast media
“Extrinsic warming of contrast helps reduce the incidence of allergic-like reactions and extravasations for Iohexol 350, but no significant difference was noted with Iopromide 300 even at low injection rates (<3.5 mL/sec)" Mahajan et al (2024).
Neonatal short peripheral catheter care bundle – Full Text
“Infiltration and dislodgement occurred frequently necessitating replacement of four of every five SPCs. Despite moderate compliance with the SPC care bundle, the high rates of unplanned SPC removal and short duration of catheter dwell time were unchanged” Dramowski et al (2024).
Infection prevention strategies for nursing practice
“IPC measures are crucial in preventing infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia” Hill et al (2024).
Non-traumatic extremity compartment syndrome
“The average in hospital-mortality for all NTECS etiologies was 20 %. While uncommon, many etiologies of NTECS exist and often manifest insidiously. 13% of patients who develop NTECS will require a skin graft / flap, or extremity amputation. 20 % of patients who develop NTECS die during their hospitalization” Smith et al (2024).
Review of antimicrobial waste in pediatric hospitals
“Proposed interventions to reduce waste included an early switch from intravenous to oral administration, required stop dates, standardized dosing times, and optimization of the pharmacy batching process” Plattner et al (2024).
Mucosal barrier injury central line-associated bloodstream infections
“These infections commonly occur by oral or gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria translocating through impaired gut or oral mucosa. Although strategies to prevent gut MBI-CLABSIs are well characterized, oral pathogen prevention strategies are lacking” Bledsaw et al (2024).
Early detection of CVC exit site infections – Full Text
“Exit-site infections (ESI) of central venous catheters for hemodialysis (CVC-HD) has been associated with early catheter removal and an increased risk of CVC-HD related bacteremia. No specific clinical scales to predict ESI have previously been validated” Cobo-Sánchez et al (2024).
Needlestick injuries and post-exposure prophylaxis
“The high prevalence of needlestick injuries among healthcare personnel occurred primarily during sampling and recapping. Reporting of NSIs was inadequate, and post-exposure testing and prophylaxis practices were substandard” Kiddeer et al (2024).
CLABSI rates based on insertion site location
“We aim to evaluate the association between central venous catheter (CVC) insertion site and microbiological CVC complications in a nationwide cohort” Cosme et al (2024).
PICC complication case study in a patient with sickle cell disease – Full Text
“We present the case of a West African male, age 45, with chronic osteomyelitis, who developed a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) due to peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) thrombosis, triggering a hemolytic crisis and thereby revealing HbSC disease” Ali et al (2024).
Complications associated with peripheral venous catheters – Full Text
“The endoscopy department can alert clinicians to PVC-associated complications. PVCs inserted in the emergency room were subject to a higher risk of phlebitis and/or colonization. Therefore, we recommend systematically replacing PVCs inserted in the emergency room within 48 h if preventive measures during insertion cannot be guaranteed” érez-Granda et al (2024).
Central venous access device adverse events in pediatric cancer patients – Full Text
“CVAD complication rates in this population remain high. TCVCs and PICCs are associated with increased complications relative to TIVADs. Insufficient evidence exists to guide device selection in this cohort, necessitating further research to determine the role of PICCs in pediatric cancer care” Nunn et al (2024).
Bacterial contamination of infusion-set components – Full Text
“To determine the prevalence of infusion-set bacterial contamination and compare the climate effects, we randomised operating rooms scheduled for total intravenous anaesthesia to handle procedures by infusion-set reuse or single-use. Both methods used dual single-use antireflux valves” Karlsson et al (2024).
Beta-lactam therapeutic drug monitoring for OPAT patients – Full Text
“Expansion of its use to outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy requires careful consideration of potential logistical and therapeutic barriers” Childs-Kean et al (2024).
Risk factors of difficult intravenous access and catheter failure
“This study aimed to clarify the actual situation of peripheral intravenous catheter placements in patients hospitalized in a general urology ward and investigate the risk factors for patient outcomes such as difficult intravenous access (DIVA) and catheter failure (CF)” Abe et al (2024).
Comparison of CVC malposition between left and right placement
“Catheter malposition after subclavian venous catheterization (SVC) is not uncommon and can lead to serious complications. This study hypothesized that the left access is superior to the right access in terms of catheter malposition after ultrasound-guided infraclavicular SVC due to the asymmetry of the bilateral brachiocephalic veins” Shin et al (2024).
Central venous catheter lock research protocol – Full Text
“While laboratory and clinical data are promising, tetra-EDTA (T-EDTA) has yet to be rigorously evaluated or introduced in cancer care as a catheter lock” Ullman et al (2024).
Peripheral intravenous catheter care in paediatrics
“To determine whether the I-DECIDED assessment and decision tool enhances peripheral intravenous catheter assessment, care and decision-making in paediatrics” Silva et al (2024).
COVID-19 infection and risk of candidaemia
“Patients in ICUs with COVID-19 infections have a much higher risk of candidaemia, CLAC and its associated mortality. Network level data helps in understanding the true burden of candidaemia and will help in framing infection control policies for the country” Mathur et al (2024).
Predictors of tunneled dialysis catheter dysfunction
“TDC use for chronic dialysis patients is increasing and dysfunction is a major problem. In our study, we highlighted the high prevalence of TDC dysfunction and the need for further research to improve hemodialysis access as well as TDC patency and function” Rozenberg et al (2024).
Neonatal outpatient antimicrobial treatment
“This letter highlights the experience of once daily (OD) parenteral ceftriaxone in neonates referred to OPAT Service at the Children’s Hospitals in Bristol, Southampton, Belfast, Alder Hey and Sheffield, and proposes that, with appropriate monitoring, this is a safe and effective treatment strategy” King et al (2024).
Minimizing vein wall trauma during infusion – Full Text
“In this exploratory investigation, a peripheral vascular access device with an off-axis tip aperture of demonstrated a sharper infusate flow angle away from the vein wall compared to a traditional central opening device” Bahl et al (2024).
Prophylaxis for UEDVT prevention
“The purpose of this study was to establish incidence and risk factors for UEDVT and to determine efficacy of pharmacologic prophylaxis for UEDVT prevention” Olt et al (2024).
Routes of intra-cardiac arrest drug administration
“Large trials on intra-cardiac arrest administration of calcium and vasopressin with glucocorticoids have been performed. Several trials are ongoing that will provide valuable insights into the potential benefit of other intra-cardiac arrest medications such as bicarbonate as well as the potential benefit of intravenous or intraosseous vascular access” Lind et al (2024).
Central venous catheter care at home
“Patients and caregivers are largely responsible for CVC care and central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention outside of acute care hospitals and long-term care settings, and HCP take seriously their obligation to provide them with appropriate education and tools to best enhance their ability to keep themselves safe” Keller et al (2024).
Extravasation associated with methylthioninium chloride
“While reported cases of methylthioninium chloride extravasation are rare, it is our preference that methylthioninium chloride should be administered through a central line in cases of continuous infusion due to the risk of potential toxicity from extravasation” Chebolu et al (2024).
Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access training – Full Text
“USGPIVs are a valuable skill that requires time and practice. Emergency nurses with no prior USGPIV experience can achieve the requirements for hospital credentialing and success on subsequent USGPIV insertion by completing 10 successful USGPIVs after a two-hour training session and four hours of direct observation” McKinley et al (2024).
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy treatment of Candida
“Echinocandin therapy can be safely delivered via OPAT with outcomes equivalent to bed-based care. The extended dosing interval of rezafungin will allow for a substantial reduction in the number of treatments required across the patient cohort” Clarke et al (2024).