Chlorahexadine swabs vs alcohol swabs on needless ports

[Kidsfelt]

I am interested in any reserach or best practice concerning the use of Clorahexadine vs alcohol on needles access to Central Lines. Last I had heard Clorahexadine was only for use on skin???

Thanks for any links to information.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Chlorhexadine gluconate does have antimicrobial activity when used on inanimate objects such as needle-less injection ports. But it has to be used properly, it's not enough just to swab the diaphragm or interface. The threads on Clave-type ports also must be swabbed suing friction and the entire surface of the Interlink port must be swabbed using friction.

The following is from a patent application for a a device to simplify the cleansing of needle-less IV ports: (http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090028750)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]A device for cleaning and disinfecting needle-free IV connectors is provided and includes a cap, an absorbent material, a disinfectant agent, and a hermetic seal.

[0010]The cap of the present invention is cylindrical and has a closed end opposite an open end. The cap is preferably made of a polymer-based material and defines a cavity. A round flange also radially extends around the entrance to the cavity of the cap. The cavity of the cap is sized to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of a needle-free IV connector.

[0011]The absorbent material covers the interior surface area of the cap. The material is shaped to receive the proximal end of a needle-free IV connector.

[0012]The disinfectant agent is any chemical compound that will effectively destroy contaminating microorganisms on the surface of an needle-free IV connector. The disinfectant agent of the present invention is preferably a liquid compound that is impregnated into the absorbent material during manufacture of the device. Most preferably, the disinfectant agent is isopropyl alcohol, iodophor, chlorhexidine gluconate, alcohol/chlorhexidine gluconate combination. or any other approved disinfectant agent.

[0028]As previously stated, the disinfectant agents most preferably used in the present invention are isopropyl alcohol, iodophor, chlorhexidine gluconate, alcohol/chlorhexidine gluconate combination. or any other approved disinfectant agent. Chlorhexidine gluconate disinfects through disruption of microbial membranes and is commonly used in skin preps, antiseptic mouthwashes and other medical devices.The absorbent material is preferably made of any substance that can be thinly form-fit to the interior wall of the cap within the cavity and maintain a disinfectant agent therein.