Infusion Therapy Improvements Observed with SwabCap
NEPTUNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The SwabCap disinfection cap was shown to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) among home-care patients receiving infusion therapy, according to a poster presented at the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition conference.
The poster authors concluded that the use of a disinfection cap on central venous catheters may lower CLABSI risk for parenteral nutrition patients and multi-lumen catheter patients, who are more vulnerable to catheter infections.
Among patients who used SwabCap according to the recommended protocol, there were no CLABSIs.
Authors Michelle Pratt, RN and Melissa Leone, RN, BSN, of Coram Specialty Infusion Services, reported the results of a six-month trial of SwabCap. The trial was a single-site study looking at CLABSI infections in patients using the SwabCap as compared to patients not using the SwabCap.
The SwabCap trial was initiated after Coram considered several options for improving catheter antisepsis. The cap was provided to all parenteral nutrition and multi-lumen central venous access device (CVAD) patients in a single branch for attachment to the injection port (needleless IV connector) between IV line accesses.
“Disinfection caps are an exciting new development in home infusion therapy,” said co-author Melissa Leone, RN, BSN. “Our study indicates that use of a disinfection cap may reduce bloodstream infections. When we supplement alcohol-pad, manual antisepsis with the cap, the IV connector is in continual contact with alcohol. That likely accounts for the reduced infection rate with the cap.”
In the Coram trial, all parenteral nutrition and multi-lumen CVAD patients were taught to connect the disinfection cap to their IV connectors after medication administration was completed, and then leave it in place until the injection port was accessed again. Follow-up phone calls were made to patients to confirm they were complying with cap use.
Home infusion parenteral nutrition patients are potentially at higher risk for CLABSIs than many other patients because they may have compromised immune systems and multiple other serious health issues. In addition, their catheters often require long dwell times, which increase the likelihood that an infection will develop. Finally, about half of parenteral nutrition patients have multi-lumen CVADs, which provide additional locations for bacteria to enter.
SwabCap is a simple twist-on device that disinfects swabable needleless IV connectors (injection ports) in between line accesses. The FDA-cleared device passively disinfects the valve top and threads via sustained contact with 70% isopropyl alcohol. It also provides a physical barrier to contamination.
The American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) conference was held Jan. 29-Feb.1 in Vancouver, B.C.
About Excelsior Medical Corporation
Excelsior Medical Corp. is a privately held company with a primary focus on innovative catheter maintenance products that may reduce infection, medication errors and healthcare costs. Excelsior makes SwabCap and SwabKIT for disinfection and protection of IV luer access valves. Formed in 1989, Excelsior is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pre-filled catheter flush syringes. The company manufactures, markets and sells pre-filled saline flush syringes, pre-filled heparin flush and lock syringes, syringe pump systems and valve disinfection caps.
For more information, call toll-free 800-487-4276 or access www.excelsiormedical.com
About Coram Specialty Infusion Services
Coram is a leading national provider of specialty home infusion and specialty pharmacy services with more than 30 years of experience servicing the needs of complex patients. With more than 80 branches and over 60 infusion suites throughout the country, Coram offers both national presence and comprehensive local coverage. Coram's nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and other clinical staff are known in the industry for providing an exceptional level of personalized care to thousands of home and infusion suite IV patients every day.
For more information, please visit our website at www.coramhc.com.
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