Originally Posted by meandragonbrett
I tend to hang new tubing when I come on shift (as things run out). I always hang brand new tubing when my propofol runs dry.
On our unit we change:
- IV tubing every 48 hours
- TPN tubing every 24 hours
- Electrocath tubing every 48 hours
- Transducer lines every 72 hours
- Enteral feed giving sets every 24 hours
- Vent tubing every 7 days (same for bipap circuits)
- HMEs at least daily, or if waterlogged
Everything is dated as it is put up. We change tubing if there is no date sticker.
All patients are screened for MRSA (nose and groin swab) on admission. We also take urine sample for culture and sensitivity at the same time.
We have strict infection control policies and it seems to work.
What I don't like is where bags of antibiotics etc are given and just left there hanging till the next dose is due. I tend to throw them away and get fresh tubing.
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