Peripheral catheters are commonly used in healthcare facilities to administer medications and fluids, as well as for blood sampling. While they can be a useful tool, it is important to properly care for and maintain them to prevent infections. Here are 5 best practices for infection prevention with peripheral catheters:
- Hand hygiene: Proper hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of infection. Healthcare providers should wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub before and after inserting, maintaining, or removing a peripheral catheter.
- Use aseptic technique: Aseptic technique involves using sterile equipment and following specific steps to prevent contamination. This includes using a sterile dressing and gloves when inserting the catheter, as well as properly sterilizing the insertion site.
- Choose the appropriate catheter: Different types of peripheral catheters are available, and it is important to select the appropriate one for the intended use. Factors to consider include the patient’s size, the duration of use, and the type of medication or fluid to be administered.
- Proper maintenance: Proper maintenance of the catheter is essential to prevent infections. This includes regularly checking the site for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, and ensuring that the dressing is changed as needed.
- Educate patients and their families: Patient education is an important aspect of infection prevention. Healthcare providers should educate patients and their families on how to care for the catheter site and recognize signs of infection, such as fever or increased pain at the site.
By following these best practices, healthcare providers can effectively prevent infections associated with peripheral catheter use. Proper care and maintenance of the catheter can ensure the safety of both the patient and the healthcare provider.
