An in vitro comparison of standard cleaning to a continuous passive disinfection cap for the decontamination of needle-free connectors.

Background: The optimal decontamination method for needle-free connectors is still unresolved. The objective of this study was to determine if a continuous passive disinfection cap is as effective as standard cleaning for the microbial decontamination of injection ports of two types of needle-free connectors.

Methods: The injection ports of needle-free connectors were inoculated with and allowed to dry. Disinfection caps containing 70% (/) isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were attached to the connectors for one, three or 7 days and were compared with needle-free connectors cleaned with 2% (/) chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% () IPA. The number of remaining on the injection ports was evaluated. Median log reductions and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and data analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results: The application of the disinfection cap resulted in a significantly higher reduction in than the 2% (/) CHG in 70% (/) IPA wipe, achieving a > 5 Log reduction in CFU at each time point.

Conclusions: The disinfection caps resulted in a significantly higher reduction in on the injection ports when compared to the use of a 2% () CHG in 70% () IPA wipe. This offers an explanation for the lower rates of central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) associated with the use of disinfection caps reported in clinical studies.