Abstract
A prospective clinical study was undertaken to analyse the routes of bacterial contamination in infusion therapy. The infusion system was equipped with two membrane filters (0.45 μm), one in the infusion line and the other on the side port. The series comprised 122 days of parenteral nutrition in 44 patients. Bacterial cultures were performed from filters, catheters, skin and blood. Fourteen per cent of the filters on the side port and 3% of those in the infusion line showed bacterial growth. No correlation was found between positive filter cultures and positive catheter tip or blood cultures. Thrombophlebitis occurred in 5% of the patients. The study has shown that side ports are a common route of bacterial contamination of infusion systems, more common than infusion fluids. It is recommended that side ports, if used, be equipped with a bacterial filter.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
