The Journal of hospital infection
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Impact of central venous catheter type and methods on catheter-related colonization and bacteraemia.
A prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-centre clinical trial was performed to test the effectiveness of an antimicrobial central venous catheter (CVC) made of polyurethane integrated with silver, platinum and carbon black (Vantex). Adults expected to require a CVC for more than 60 h were eligible, and were randomized to receive the test or control catheter. All CVCs were inserted with new venipunctures using full aseptic technique. ⋯ Insertion site and dressing change frequency were significantly associated with the colonization rate. Although CVCs with antimicrobial features have been associated with a decrease in catheter-related colonization and bacteraemia, this study demonstrated that infection rates may depend more on non-catheter-related factors, such as adherence to infection control standards, selection of insertion site, duration of CVC placement, and dressing change frequency. As microbial resistance increases, clinicians should make maximal use of these processes to reduce catheter-related infections.