swab stopcock before IV push?

[RNcathlab]

Do you always use an alcohol prep pad before giving an IV push medication? Has anyone ever heard the threory that using alcohol prep pads to clean a stopcock before giving IV push meds is not useful unless it sits for at least 3 minutes first and is allowed to dry? I have also heard that wiping with an alcohol prep pad and then immediately pushing meds can cause harm to the vein. I have worked with nurses in an ICU where 50% used alcohol prep and 50% did not when giving medications IV push.

[nici1978]

i am for swabbing, i was taught that in school way back than, i usually wait a couple of seconds for the alcohol to dry and than acess what ever port i have

if you have questions about things like that go to your infection control or you iv nurse if you have one,

we never used iodine or betadine the risk of allergies is to high

nici

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Always swab.