CIV infection control Alcohol/betadine or both?

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2004

Currently, we are using betadine and alcohol both when accessing a CIV. The question was brought up of why we only use alcohol when swabing ports in the line (as in iV push meds) since it all goes the same place. Others then mentioned that some places do only use alcohol when accessing CIVs. I am curious what the protocals are for other oncology nurses. Any data or articles that you know of that have compared the 2 methods as far as infrction outcome?

Are you referring to implantable ports (Mediport, Infus-a-port)? My institutions use the chlorhexidine wand to prep the area prior to accessing the port.

It has been my understanding that betadine does nothing on a rubber-port, as it needs to dry in order to be effective. And it will not naturally dry on a port. I've only used alcohol in my experiences for that.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2004

Currently, we are using betadine and alcohol both when accessing a CIV. The question was brought up of why we only use alcohol when swabing ports in the line (as in iV push meds) since it all goes the same place. Others then mentioned that some places do only use alcohol when accessing CIVs. I am curious what the protocals are for other oncology nurses. Any data or articles that you know of that have compared the 2 methods as far as infrction outcome?

Are you referring to implantable ports (Mediport, Infus-a-port)? My institutions use the chlorhexidine wand to prep the area prior to accessing the port.

It has been my understanding that betadine does nothing on a rubber-port, as it needs to dry in order to be effective. And it will not naturally dry on a port. I've only used alcohol in my experiences for that.