varc
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Our dialysis unit is managed by a different company
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I agree. It wasn't my decison
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The caps twist into position
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I appreciate all of the comments. I did not mention that I am also an Infusion Nurse and responsible for educating the staff in best practices for infection prevention regarding IV/central/PICC lines. I was actually preparing to teach a class when this change came about so I am now charged with educating the staff that the SwabCap alone is what we are switching to. As I mentioned earlier, I like using them as a disinfecting port protector between use but for scrubbing the hub between needleless connector changes I prefer the SiteScrub. Also for our oupatient departmens like oncology and ambulatory surgery and even emergency department, I think the SiteScrub is a better option.
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We are going to trial that one as well
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Our hospital has just switched to the SwabCap for port disinfecting. We were previously using the Site Scrub by Bard to scrub the hub prior to accessing the port and also before changing the end caps. The SwabCap is supposed to be applied to each needleless connector on the IV tubing and each central line/PICC port that is not in use. The package instructions state "SwabCap will disinfect the valve 5 minutes after application and maintains a disinfected valve surface for up to 7 days if not removed". "Valve is ready for use. No further swabbing is necessary". I may be paranoid but I don't trust not scrubbing the hub again before access. I like the idea that the cap protects the port from contamination between use but I don't trust that the cap has been in place the entire time or at least 5 minutes. I feel better if I scrub the hub in addition to the cap then I'm double protected against infection. My hospital did away with the Site Scrub so I would have to use an alcohol wipe to clean before access. After MUCH discussion, I was asked to reach out and see if any of you felt as I do. Do any of your institutions use both procedures at the same time (port protectors PLUS scrub the hub before access)?