Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of different sterile barrier precautions and central venous catheter dressing on the skin colonization around the insertion site.
The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was the comparison of maximal sterile barrier (consisting of mask, cap, sterile gloves, gown, large drape) vs control precautions (mask, cap, sterile gloves, small drape) and of transparent polyurethan film vs gauze dressing for use on central venous (CVC) nontunneled catheters, inserted via the jugular vein. Skin colonization at the insertion site (defined by quantitative skin cultures performed at the time of insertion and in days 2 and 5) was used as a primary endpoint. Catheter tip colonization was also assessed through qualitative culture and CVC related sepsis was defined by the isolation of the same organism from the catheter tip and the blood, with clinical sepsis of no other apparent source. ⋯ Maximal sterile barrier proved to be an effective and recommended practice. However surveillance skin cultures revealed the common and changing nature of colonization of skin at the insertion site.