After removing hub protection cap, do you still need to wipe with alcohol pad?

[missjune]

I have been unsure about what is the proper way to do this. After removing the protective cap over an IV port, do you still need to wipe with alcohol before flushing with saline and giving an IV push med? Or is it still considered sterile and you do not have to clean it?

Thanks for your help!

[Julius Seizure]

I can definitely see where you're coming from because whether to still scrub or not isn't readily available on their website. The informational booklet (from the manufacturer) my SICU received stated that we were still to scrub, but perhaps that information is already out of date? Great information, thank you!

Interesting. So odd that that information booklet wouldn't be available on their site. It should be!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Our policy was to NOT scrub after removing curos. They are clean then and the longer you mess around between the time you take the cap off and access the line, the more chance of that becoming contaminated during that time. It's better to take the cap off with one hand and instantly attach the syringe.

However, it is important to note that curos cap need to be changed if they become wet, such as if your patient is showering with their PICC, and are single use only. When used correctly, they're far better than alcohol wipes and we have seen a dramatic decrease in CLABSI since their introduction.