Medical Devices Pose Big Infection Threat

Technology

Infection control measures are the “mainstay approach” for preventing device-related infection, but adherence to such measures is inconsistent, according to Darouiche.

“That is why infection control measures need to be complemented with truly protective technology,” he adds. “...Although the healthcare industry has paid attention to infections associated with some devices, they have (been) discouraged by the lengthy and expensive process of securing FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for anti-infective devices.”

Healthcare workers need to stay up to date regarding technology advances, Maki says. “Technological advances implicitly reduce risk beyond the simple control measures that we try to implement,” he adds. “Technology such as coded catheters, antiseptic dressings, the biopatch, integrated antiseptic dressings, novel technologies for dealing with the risk of introducing organisms at the hubs of connectors, have all been shown to reduce risk. If hospitals want to get their risk to approaching zero level, starting to adopt technologies as an adjunct to control measures would help them get there quickly.”

Helpful technology for the prevention of device-related infection includes use of the BD Nexiva™ Closed IV Catheter System, according to BD Medical representatives. The pre-assembled system creates a closed single lumen fluid path that is designed to minimize blood leakage from the catheter hub. It also decreases the potential for contamination and exposure to blood.

Additionally, the BD Q-Syte™ Luer Access Split Septum needleless access system has 64 percent-70 percent lower CRBSI rates than mechanical valves.^2,3 Patients are three times more likely, on average, to develop a CRBSI with the use of mechanical valves versus a split -septum needleless access system.^2,3