Guidelines for Prevention of Central
Venous Catheter-Related Infections
1.
Insert
the central venous catheter (CVC) at the subclavian site unless the site is
unavailable or medically contraindicated.
2.
Use
full sterile barrier precautions in the insertion of a CVC which includes:
·
Long
sleeve sterile gowns
·
Sterile
gloves
·
Cap
·
Mask
·
Full-size
sterile drape
·
Eye
protection (bloodborne pathogen precautions)
3. Use
2% chlorhexidine with 70% alcohol (Chloraprep®) for local skin antisepsis. Use repeated back and forth strokes of the
applicator sponge for approximately 30 seconds.
Use of chlorhexidine is contraindicated in infants less than 2 months of
age.
4. If
any component of the catheter or kit becomes contaminated, discard and replace
with a sterile device or new kit.
5. After
insertion, the site should be covered with a sterile, transparent
dressing. Dressings should be changed
every 7 days and as needed if the dressing becomes loose, damp, or soiled.
6. Catheters placed under emergent or
non-sterile conditions should be removed and replaced at a new site when the
patient’s condition allows.
Full
recommendations and supporting literature are available at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/IV/Iv.htm.