Use of alcohol containing caps for preventing bloodstream infections: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: A majority of bloodstream infections seen in intensive care units stem from intravascular catheters used on patients. Catheter hubs are the entrance for pathogenic microorganisms into the inner surfaces of the catheters. The pathogenic microorganisms colonization in the mentioned areas can cause central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of alcohol-containing caps on the prevention of CLABSI. Total of 95 patients participated in the study. Isopropyl alcohol-containing caps were used for protecting the needle-free connectors closing the hubs of the central venous catheters in the intervention group. However, the control group patient received standard catheter caps.

Result: There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of infection distribution (X2 = 13.058; p < 0.001). The risk of infection in the control group was 13.7 times higher than the risk of infection in the intervention group.

Discussion: Our results suggest that alcohol-containing caps are effective or in preventing CLABSI.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that alcohol-containing caps on ports are effective in preventing CLABSI.

Keywords: Central venous catheter; alcohol containing caps; bloodstream infection; isopropyl alcohol; randomized controlled study.