Comparison of central line-associated bloodstream infection rates when changing to a zero fluid displacement intravenous needleless connector in acute care settings.

This was a multicenter, quasiexperimental, 140-month, acute care study comparing central line-associated bloodstream infection rates associated with positive or negative intravenous connectors to a zero fluid displacement connector. A decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections was found after changing from either negative or positive intravenous connectors to the zero fluid displacement connector (P = .004) with total cost savings of over $3 million.

In vitro study assessing the antibacterial activity of three silver-impregnated/coated mechanical valve needleless connectors after blood exposure.

This in vitro study's purpose was to assess antibacterial activity of 3 different connectors: V-Link (Baxter, Deerfield, IL), Ultrasite Ag (B. Braun, Bethlehem, PA), and MaxGuard (CareFusion, Ontario, CA), impregnated with silver nanoparticles after blood exposure. All 3 silver-coated/impregnated connectors grew Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Implementation of an intravenous medication infusion pump system: implications for nursing.

Aim: To assess perceptions of nurses regarding the implementation of intravenous medication infusion system technology and its impact on nursing care, reporting of medication errors and job satisfaction.

Background: Medication errors are placing patients at high risk and creating an economic burden for hospitals and health care providers. Infusion pumps are available to decrease errors and promote safety.