Povidone-Iodine breaking down CVCs

Specialties Urology

Published

Specializes in Telemetry/Hemodialysis.

In April of this year, my FMC unit in LA has embraced the P&P of wraping the catheters in a Povidone-Iodine soaked 4x4 (before and after tx). :wink2:

Last week I sent a pt to the hopital for a crack in the catheter. Again, today another pt's CVC is split!:banghead:

Maybe they are just old catheters?:confused:

DG:typing

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Specializes in ER, Renal Dialysis.

That never happened to me. And yes, I do soaked them, at least in the last place that I worked with. The catheter and the tubing stayed intact until disconnection.

Might be the solution or the quality of built?

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

I've never had this problem and leave the soak on the ports the entire treatment also in a 2x2 packet. Keep in mind though there are caths out there that are very specific to not use providone-iodine on. It's usually stated on the catheter by the manufacturer in most cases I have encountered. If anything I see more problems with buildup and nasty stuff due to all the paper tape applied on the ends post treatment. Yeck!!!

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Specializes in Telemetry/Hemodialysis.

Thank you Lacie and bluefabian! This site has been a lot of help.

DG

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Specializes in hemo and peritoneal dialysis.

Our facility has stopped using any iodine based products or alcohol. Depending on the manufactures recommendations, iodine or alcohol can eventially break down the material, including the leur lock ports. Plus it makes the catheters look filthy. We began using Amuchuna 50% (Alcavis 50) for the soaks, and Exsept for the skin about five years ago, and the infection rate has gone way down as well as catheter damages. We did a big study, and I know there's more stuff written, but you can look at this. Hope it helps.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ICF/is_6_29/ai_n18614692

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Specializes in Telemetry/Hemodialysis.

Thanks diabo

DG:typing

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Dialysis.

Actually most CVC are compatible with betadine and not the other products such as exsept(which should only be used to clean the exit site and not the actual lumens) or peroxide. I would look into the how old the catheter is and if the end caps are placed on too tight and staff have tried to pry them off they have sometimes caused cracks over a period of time. :wink2:

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