ABSTRACT
A new transparent dressing, IV3000 is reported to be successful in preventing moisture accumulation around the catheter site. A trial was thus undertaken to compare its effectiveness in preventing catheter-related sepsis with a conventional film dressing.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections/prevention & control , Catheterization, Central Venous , Occlusive Dressings/standards , Catheterization, Central Venous/nursing , Clinical Nursing Research , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Much controversy still surrounds the issue of catheter-related infection, and evidence suggests that nurses' practice varies widely in this field. An understanding of the main routes of transmission and the maintenance of standard protocols will help reduce the incidence of infection.
Subject(s)
Infection Control/methods , Infusions, Intravenous/nursing , HumansABSTRACT
A study was carried out of the microbial content of three types of incontinence underpads and a clinical absorbent protection pad. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Bacillus spp. were isolated from unused samples of all makes of pad examined. Clostridium spp., including C. tetani and C. perfringens, were isolated from a proportion of pads containing re-cycled waste material. We recommend that incontinence underpads are used solely for the purpose for which they were marketed, namely, the containment of excreta.
Subject(s)
Bacillus/isolation & purification , Bedding and Linens/standards , Clostridium/isolation & purification , Equipment and Supplies, Hospital/standards , Urinary Incontinence , Bacteriological Techniques , Disposable Equipment/standards , England , Equipment Contamination , Humans , Urinary Incontinence/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Twenty general practices in four areas in Britain were surveyed to establish their needs for and practices of sterilising and disinfecting equipment. Of the 327 items of equipment and instruments examined in the survey, 190 were satisfactorily decontaminated, 100 were treated in a way judged to result in doubtful decontamination, and in 37 cases treatment was considered unsatisfactory. Decontamination apparatuses (autoclaves, hot air ovens, and hot water disinfectors) were generally in good working order, but the use of chemical disinfectants was often inappropriate. Recommendations were made on appropriate methods of decontamination for various items in common use in general practice. By virtue of the large numbers of patients treated by general practitioners there is a substantial possibility of transmitting infection; having appropriate methods for decontaminating instruments and equipment is therefore imperative.
