I have a question concerning the use/maintenace of saline locks. As a new grad in my first job, I was told by my preceptor that using alcohol wipes to clean the iv port was unnecessary. She told me that research had shown that there was no increased infection by not using alcohol wipes. Does anyone know anything about this? Unless there is obvious comtamination/blood,etc. I have followed her advice and I want to make sure I am not making my patients vulnerable in any way.
I have a question concerning the use/maintenace of saline locks. As a new grad in my first job, I was told by my preceptor that using alcohol wipes to clean the iv port was unnecessary. She told me that research had shown that there was no increased infection by not using alcohol wipes. Does anyone know anything about this? Unless there is obvious comtamination/blood,etc. I have followed her advice and I want to make sure I am not making my patients vulnerable in any way.