Saline Syringes Research Articles

The effect of different flushing and locking techniques on catheter occlusion rates in central venous catheters: protocol for a multicentre, randomized controlled, parallel-group, open-label, superiority clinical trial

BackgroundMaintaining venous access is of great clinical importance. Running a slow continuous infusion to keep the vein open (KVO) is often used in peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Previous studies have compared the effects of intermittent flushing and continuous infusion via peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). In this study, we applied KVO to central venous catheters (CVCs) and compared the occlusion rate of this technique with that of the intermittent flushing technique.MethodThis is a randomized controlled trial of 14 hospitals in China. A total of 250 patients will be recruited in this study, and they will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio. After study inclusion, patients who will undergo CVC insertion will receive intermittent flushing with prefilled saline syringes (control group) or KVO infusion with elastic pumps (test group). All the catheters will be checked for patency by scoping Catheter Injection and Aspiration (CINAS) Classification on Days 3 and 7. The primary outcome is the rate of catheter occlusion in 7 days. Patients will be followed up until 9 days after CVC insertion, catheter occlusion, or catheter removal. The secondary outcomes are the rate of catheter occlusion in 3 days, nurse satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, adverse event rate, catheter-related bloodstream infection rate, catheter-related thrombosis rate, extravasation rate, phlebitis rate, and catheter migration.DiscussionWe expect that the trial will generate findings that can provide an evidence-based basis for the improvement and optimization of clinical catheter flushing techniques.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200064007. Registered on 23 September 2022. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=177311.

PP101 Clinical And Economic Impact Of Flushing Vascular Access Devices With Pre-filled versus Manually-Prepared Saline Flush Syringes In Korea

IntroductionAround 90 percent of hospitalized patients require vascular access devices (VADs) during hospitalization to administer fluids, medications and facilitate blood transfusions. After insertion, it is essential to maintain VADs to achieve optimal dwell time and reduce complications. Flushing of VADs is an integral part of catheter maintenance practices. With increasing cost burden on healthcare systems and nursing shortages, it is crucial to use time-and cost-saving technologies such as pre-filled flush syringes for common procedures namely VAD maintenance. This study aims to compare the clinical and economic impact of using pre-filled saline syringes versus manually-prepared saline syringes for flushing VADs in Korea.MethodsA budget impact analysis was developed using Microsoft Excel to estimate the annual clinical and economic impact of pre-filled saline syringes and a base case scenario of flushing 100,000 VADs was modeled. Clinical impact was estimated for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), central line occlusion and nurse time. Economic impact was estimated for costs associated with flushing materials, additional length of stay (LOS) due to CLABSI, VAD replacement, and nurse-time. Global and local data sources were used for inputs. Assumptions include: (i) Distribution of 95 percent peripheral and 5 percent central VADs; (ii) 50 percent peripheral and 50 percent central VADs on intermittent therapy; and (iii) 3 flushes/catheter-day.ResultsOver a one-year timeframe, the model estimated 3,344 fewer PIVC failures, 15 fewer CLABSIs and 157 fewer occlusions with adoption of pre-filled saline syringes. Nurse time was reduced by 3,465 hours. Potential net annual savings from lower device cost, reduced complications, shortened LOS and increased nurse efficiency were estimated to be KRW23.7 million (USD178,957).ConclusionsUsing pre-filled saline syringes instead of manually-prepared syringes for flushing VADs may result in fewer complications, lower VAD utilization, nurse time saving and cost savings in Korea. This can potentially help improve patient outcomes, relieve nurses’ stress to some extent and help healthcare decision-makers to reallocate these cost savings to other life-saving technologies.

A bronchoscopy-associated pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium mucogenicum associated with contaminated ice machine water and ice.

A pseudo-outbreak of bronchoscopy-associated Mycobacterium chelonae and M. mucogenicum was traced to contaminated ice machine water and ice. A nonsterile ice bath was used to cool uncapped, sterile, saline syringes used to slow procedural bleeding. Joining the growing evidence of bronchoscopy pseudo-outbreaks, our investigation describes several lessons for future prevention.

Effectiveness of a game-based mobile application in educating nursing students on flushing and locking venous catheters with pre-filled saline syringes: A randomized controlled trial

AimThis study aimed to determine the effect of a game-based mobile application on the skill levels of nursing students in respect of flushing and locking of venous catheters with pre-filled saline syringes. BackgroundIn the context of the education of nursing students, a game-based mobile application was used as a motivational aid to improve nursing students’ skills in flushing and locking of venous catheters. DesignA single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2020, in a university-affiliated hospital in China. MethodsA total of 154 nursing students were divided randomly into two groups: a control group (n = 77) and an experimental group (n = 77). All the participants received a 30-min theoretical interpretation, 30-min demonstration, and one opportunity to practice. For the next seven days, the participants in the experimental group used a game-based mobile application as a motivational aid to practice their skills in flushing and locking of venous catheters; the control group received no additional intervention. We observed the skill performance and the incidence of errors in the procedural steps of the participants in the two groups at first and seven days later, along with the learning curve of the skills of the experimental group in respect of flushing and locking of venous catheters. ResultsThe final skill performance scores of the nursing students in the experimental group were higher than the average scores of the nursing students in the control group (p = 0.003); The incidence of errors in material preparation rate, hand hygiene, and flushing and locking in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group (p = 0.027, p = 0.035, p = 0.045). Analysis of the learning curve revealed that the experimental group needed an average of 11 repeat practices sessions to master the skills. ConclusionsIn the short term, the game-based mobile application was effective in improving the skills of nursing students in flushing and locking venous catheters with pre-filled saline syringes. It is an effective complement to existing training methods.

Assessment of potential differences between pre-filled and manually prepared syringe use during vascular access device management in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection is one of the four primary health-care-associated infections applicable to pediatric intensive care units defined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to current guidelines, it is essential to flush vascular access devices before each infusion to assess catheter function and prevent catheter-related complications. This prospective trial aimed to assess the potential differences between pre-filled and manually prepared saline syringe use during vascular access device management in a pediatric intensive care unit. Volunteered registered pediatric intensive care unit nurses were asked to implement the flushing solution to an extension line of a central venous catheter in vitro. After the randomization process with opaque sealed envelopes, they have started either with manual preparation or used sterile pre-filled saline syringes. Sterile application steps forms were used for monitoring the manual preparation of saline syringes versus the pre-filled saline syringes phase. Each volunteer repeated the steps for 3, 5, and 10 mL syringe volumes with the manually prepared and pre-filled saline syringes. After completing the procedures, failed steps and durations were transferred into a database to be analyzed by a blinded investigator. A total of 41 nurses volunteered and 123 forms for three attempts per one nurse were filled for each group. In the manual preparation group, the number of at least one failure in the necessary steps was 89 (72.3%) and the same number in the pre-filled syringe group was 6 (4.9%), and significantly lower in the pre-filled saline syringe group (p < 0.001). The overall time for preparing to flush was 86.0 ± 22.3 s (ranging from 46 to 173 s) for manual prepared syringes and 35.2 ± 9.4 s (ranging from 18 to 100 s) (p < 0.001) for pre-filled saline syringes. Our results demonstrate that the risk for breaking the aseptic no-touch technic was higher in the manual preparation group. We have also demonstrated that the flushing time was shorter with pre-filled syringes compared to manually prepared ones, which may contribute to decreasing the workload of the nurses and may increase the quality of care in the intensive care units. The use of pre-filled saline syringes may decrease the central line-associated bloodstream infections incidence and may increase the quality of care by saving extra time in the pediatric intensive care unit.

The impact of flushing with pre-filled saline syringes on the incidence of peripheral venous catheter failure: A quasi-experimental study.

Short peripheral venous catheters are one of the most frequently used devices in hospitals. Peripheral venous catheter failure, defined as the unscheduled dysfunction of peripheral venous catheter, is common and frequently entails a new invasive procedure. Flushing the catheter maintains patency and could prolong peripheral venous catheter dwell time. The introduction of pre-filled saline flushing syringes as compared to manually filled saline flushing syringes could facilitate the frequency of catheter flushing, and subsequently it could reduce peripheral venous catheter failure rate. To demonstrate differences in overall peripheral venous catheter failure rates before and after the introduction of pre-filled saline flushing syringes and to assess the risk factors for peripheral venous catheter failure. Quasi-experimental design, before-and-after intervention study. Intervention: introduction of pre-filled saline syringes for flushing. Multicenter study conducted in medical and surgical wards of three European hospitals during a 9-month period (4 months pre-intervention, 5 months intervention). A multivariate Cox proportional model was used to identify factors associated with the occurrence of peripheral venous catheter failure. Data from 3853 peripheral venous catheters in 1915 patients were analyzed. Compared to pre-intervention period, a significant decrease in peripheral venous catheter failure rate was observed in the intervention period (57% vs 43.4%, p < 0.001). Independent factors associated with peripheral venous catheter failure were as follows: Charlson score ⩾4 (hazard ratio: 1.648; 95% confidence interval: 1.069-2.527), days of hospital stay ⩾10 (hazard ratio: 1.468; 95% confidence interval: 1.172-1.837), and catheter "D" (hazard ratio: 1.758; 95% confidence interval: 1.058-2.919). The use of pre-filled saline syringes significantly reduced peripheral venous catheter failure and increased catheter dwell time. Thus, it is important to reinforce the use of the pre-filled syringes for flushing to reduce the incidence of peripheral venous catheters' failure.

582. Impact of Central Line Bundle for Prevention of Umbilical Vein Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundUmbilical vein catheters (UVC) are one of the most common types of vascular access device in the neonatal intensive care units. Central line-associated bloodstream infections were reported to be in the first place of healthcare-associated infections in preterm infants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the bundle applications in the prevention of umbilical vein catheter-associated bloodstream infections in neonates including premature infants.MethodsThis 40 months cross-sectional study included two periods, including pre-bundle period (from August 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017) and bundle period (April 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018). The umbilical vein catheter-related bloodstream infections, catheter line days, number of the patients were recorded and compared between the prebundle and bundle periods. Bundle steps were defined as education-training-assignment, evaluation of daily catheter indications, hand hygiene and aseptic technique while insertion, maximal sterile barrier precautions, closure of the catheter area with transparent semi-permeable membrane, using needless connectors in stead of 3-way stop-cocks, and single-use prefilled saline syringes for flushing.ResultsDuring the whole study period total umbilical vein catheter days were 2,228 days. During the prebundle period there was 10 and in the bundle period there was 2 umbilical vein catheter-related bloodstream infections (Table 1). While umbilical vein-associated bloodstream infection rate was 8.9 per 1,000 catheter days in the pre-bundle period, and significantly decreased to 1.79 in the bundle period (P < 0.05). After the introduction of bundle applications, it was observed that the rate of infection decreased by 68% (P < 0.05)ConclusionOur study showed that implementation of central line bundle including needless connectors and single-use prefilled syringes for umbilical vein-related bloodstream infections was effective for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Comparative Study between Oral Pregabalin versus Intravenous Low Dose Ketamine for Post-Operative Pain Management in Laminectomy

AbstractBackground: Lumbar laminectomy is accompanied with significant post-operative pain. Preemptive analgesia is effec-tive to reduce the magnitude and duration of post-operative pain.Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of oral pregabalin versus IV low dose ketamine for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing elective single level lumbar laminectomy.Material and Methods: This prospective double blind randomized controlled study was carried out on 105 patients of both sexes, 18-60y, American Society of Anesthesiologist I or II and scheduled for elective single level lumbar laminec-tomy under general anaesthesia. All patients are randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: Control group (received a placebo capsule orally 1h before induction of anesthesia and 5ml normal saline Intravenous (IV) before induction of an-esthesia). Pregabalin group: Received a 150mg pregabalin capsule orally 1h before induction of anesthesia and 5ml normal saline IV before induction of anesthesia and ketamine group: Received a placebo capsule orally 1h before induction of anesthesia and 0.3mg/kg ketamine in 5ml of normal saline syringe IV before induction of anesthesia. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Heart Rate (HR) & Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were recorded at 30min, 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h, 18h and 24h post-operative, the time (h) to first analgesic requirement, total dose of rescue analgesia (morphine) were recorded. Sedation scores & complications were measured.Results: Our results showed no significant difference as regard to age, sex, weight & ASA physical status, but there was significant decrease in VAS. 1st analgesic requirements & total dose of rescue analgesia in pregabalin group & keta-mine group as compared to control group with (p<0.05) & pregabalin group was superior to both groups as regard sedation score.Conclusion: Pre-operative administration of oral pregab-alin (1 50mg) 1h before surgery or IV ketamine at dose (0.3mg/kg) at induction in patients undergoing elective single-level lumbar laminectomy significantly decreased post-operative pain, total opioid consumption as compared with control group without significant side effects.

Progressive Pulmonary Hypertension and Lung Nodules Related to Intravenous Promethazine and Heparin Incompatibility.

SESSION TITLE: Miscellaneous SESSION TYPE: Global Case Report Poster PRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM INTRODUCTION: This case describes a patient who had progressive embolic pulmonary hypertension and nodular lung disease related to intravenous heparin and promethazine drug incompatibility. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old woman with chronic relapsing pancreatitis under the supervision of a pain management specialist used self-administered promethazine injections through an implanted mediport at home. She presented to the hospital with abdominal pain, slowly progressive dyspnea on exertion, and a dry cough. Lab work demonstrated elevated liver function tests and CRP. Her chest x-ray showed borderline cardiomegaly and increased interstitial markings with reticular nodular opacities. CT angiography of the chest was negative for PE, but did confirm widespread poorly marginated small nodular densities as well as mild adenopathy. Bronchoscopy with BAL and wash was non-diagnostic. Her echo demonstrated an RVSP of 64 and a right heart catheter later confirmed moderate pulmonary HTN. Further lab workup for pulmonary HTN was negative. Pulmonary function testing showed restrictive disease with a reactive component. She required oxygen with exertion at discharge and was seen in close outpatient follow up for additional workup. Ten weeks later she was readmitted for symptom management of her severe abdominal pain. She denied any shortness of air or cough at that point in time. Repeat CT of the abdomen prompted chest imaging that demonstrated progressive widespread milliary nodular pattern of both lungs with progressive adenopathy. Echo demonstrated slight worsening of pulmonary hypertension. VATS was completed for surgical lung biopsy and pathology demonstrated an exuberant foreign body type reaction to polarizable amorphous foreign material associated with acute inflammation as well as focal microabscess formation. Cultures and stains for infectious organisms were negative. She denied illicit drug use and careful review of her outpatient medications revealed an in-line incompatibility of her IV heparin flushes and promethazine injections. MicroMedex IV compatibility listed the incompatibility as causing an increase in measured haze or turbidity, particulates and/or color change.1 Additional history was obtained and due to lack of readily available normal saline flushes, she had been using prefilled heparin syringes to flush her mediport after injecting promethazine. She was started on high dose prednisone that was slowly tapered over several months with normalization of her pulmonary hypertension on follow up echo. Follow up CT imaging demonstrated resolution of her adenopathy and improvement but incomplete resolution of her nodular airspace disease. DISCUSSION: The patient had been self-administering IV promethazine for nausea via an implanted port often several times per day. Her insurance company had only authorized a small allotment of prefilled saline syringes per month, but had provided a much larger allotment of prefilled heparin syringes for her to use for line maintenance. Due to this discrepancy, she would often use the more readily available heparin syringes as opposed to saline to flush her line after a promethazine dose. Incompatibility between IV promethazine and heparin led to precipitate formation that then embolized in the pulmonary circulation causing progressive pulmonary hypertension as well as diffuse micronodular airspace disease noted on CT. A progressive inflammatory reaction likely potentiated the progressive nodule growth. Treating the patient with steroids was successful in halting the inflammation and partial reversal of the disease process. Proper education about line maintenance and use of saline flushes prevented ongoing embolization. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrated the in-line incompatibility of IV promethazine and heparin had significant embolic effects on the pulmonary circulation. Obtaining a thorough history regarding utilization of home medications ultimately led to the diagnosis. Detailed attention as well as appropriate education and monitoring should be given to patients who self-administer IV medications via mediports. Reference #1: Truven Health Analytics MicroMedex IV compatability checker DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: David Hasselbacher, Rebecca Parrish, Emma Coronel No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Mechanical recanalization for clot occlusion of venous access ports: experimental study using ports with clot occlusion.

To test the hypothesis that mechanical injection of saline is safe and effective in restoring patency of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) with clot occlusion. We devised an experimental port model for the evaluation of mechanical TIVAP recanalization prior to its clinical application. The clot TIVAP occlusion model was constructed by filling the catheter with swine blood and incubating it at 37.5°C. The model was incubated for different lengths of time ranging from 1 day to 7 days. Each incubation time point included 20 ports. Total catheter occlusion of the TIVAPs was assessed with a 10-mL saline syringe equipped with a non-coring needle. Occlusion was defined as no passage of saline through the catheter when it was aspirated and infused gently with the 10-mL saline syringe. Pressure was evaluated during recanalization with an indeflator. Histological examination was performed on the clot obtained during recanalization. Among the 140 total experimental ports, 65 occlusions (46.4%) were detected. Of these 65 occlusions, 56 (86.1%) were recanalized by mechanical saline pressure via the indeflator. The indeflator pressure ranged from 29 pound per square-inch (psi) to 265 psi at mechanical catheter recanalization (mean: 110 psi). Histologically, all specimens from the model ports exhibited a similar appearance; specifically, erythrocytes, cells, and fibrin were evenly scattered throughout the clot. Our data indicate that it is feasible to generate a TIVAP clot occlusion model with swine blood. Moreover, mechanical recanalization was suitable for resolving occluded catheters without thrombolytic agents.

A cross-sectional study to compare two blood collection methods: direct venous puncture and peripheral venous catheter

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the equivalence between blood collection methods using direct venous puncture (DVP) and a peripheral venous catheter or cannula (PVC).Design and settingA cross-sectional study of simple crossover design with...

Two tiny injections method in renal MRI

Objective To study tiny injection for raising its success rate.Methods 48 patients corresponding to the selective criteria were diagnosed with of chronic renal insufficiency,chronic renal insufficiency uremia and hypertension.Scalp needle was connected with a 5 ml 0.9％ NS (saline) syringe vein puncture,puncture vein successfully piloted projectile injection 0.9％NS (saline),then renal imaging agent tiny injection.Results The successful rate of tiny injection was 100％ in the observation group and 94％ in the control group.Conclusions The injection method of the observation group can ensure the success of the injection of imaging agent,so that the check is complete on the same day.Methods in the observation group has social benefit,can be popularized clinically. Key words: Method; Injection; Projectile; Renal dynamics

Pre-filled normal saline syringes to reduce totally implantable venous access device-associated bloodstream infection: a single institution pilot study

Flushing totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) with manually filled saline syringes may increase contamination and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). We used a retrospective cohort study to assess the impact of changing from manually filled syringes to manufactured pre-filled syringes on the frequency of CRBSI in 718 TIVADs. Manually filled syringes were used in 269 patients and pre-filled syringes in 449. The CRBSI rate was 2.7% in the pre-filled syringe group and 6.3% in the manually filled syringe group (P=0.016). Sex, tumour type and stage, access site and access body side were not independent risk factors for CRBSI.

Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging of Hand and Finger Joints in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Do We Really Need a Full Dose of Gadobenate Dimeglumine for Assessing Synovial Enhancement at 3 T?

To investigate the diagnostic value of a half dose compared with a full dose of gadobenate dimeglumine in the assessment of synovitis or tenosynovitis in the wrist and finger joints in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a disease activity score greater than 3.2. With institutional review board approval and informed consent, 57 patients with early RA underwent 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with two different doses of contrast media. The contrast enhancement was measured in inflamed synovial tissue at half dose (0.05 mmol per kilogram of body weight) and at full dose (0.1 mmol/kg) by using T1-weighted sequences with fat saturation. The differences and the correlation of signal intensities (SIs) at half- and full-dose sequences were compared by using the paired t test and Pearson correlations. Image quality, Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Score (RAMRIS), and tenosynovitis score on half- and full-dose images were compared by two observers using the Wilcoxon test. Interrater agreement was assessed by using κ statistics. A significant difference in SI was found between half-dose and full-dose gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced synovial tissue (mean: 914.35 ± 251.1 vs 1022 ± 244.5, P < .001). Because the SI showed high correlation between the ratio at half dose and full dose (r = 0.875), the formula, ratio of synovial enhancement to saline syringe at full dose = 0.337 + 1.070 × ratio of synovial enhancement to saline syringe at half dose, can be used to convert the normalized value of half dose to full dose. However, no difference in RAMRIS (score 0 in 490 of 1026 joints; score 1 in 344; score 2 in 158; and score 3 in 34) or tenosynovitis scores in grading synovitis or tenosynovitis in image quality and in assessment of synovial enhancement was detected between half-dose and full-dose images (P = 1). Postcontrast synovial SIs showed high correlation between half dose and full dose, and image quality was rated identically. Therefore, half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine at 3-T MR imaging may be sufficient for assessing synovitis or tenosynovitis in early RA.

Association ofBacillus cereusInfection with Contaminated Alcohol Prep Pads

Bacillus species have caused healthcare-associated outbreaks of invasive disease as well as pseudo-outbreaks. We report an outbreak investigation of blood cultures positive for Bacillus cereus associated with alcohol prep pads (APPs) contaminated with B. cereus and Bacillus species resulting in a rapid internal product recall and subsequent international product recall. Epidemiologic and microbiologic outbreak investigation. A 300-bed tertiary care children's hospital in Aurora, Colorado. Patients with blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures positive for B. cereus. Three patients with blood cultures positive for B. cereus were identified in late 2010. Breaches in procedural and surgical techniques, common interventions, and products were explored. The following 3 common products were cultured: sterile saline syringes, chlorhexidine/alcohol skin preparation solution, and APPs. Repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) was used to compare isolates obtained from patients and from APPs and was confirmed by independent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. There appeared to be a significant increase in blood cultures positive for B. cereus during 2009-2010. B. cereus and other Bacillus species were cultured from the internal contents of 63.3% of APPs not labeled as sterile, and 8 of the 10 positive lots were manufactured after 2007. None of the isolates obtained from the patients matched strains isolated from the APPs. However, some lots of APPs had strains that were indistinguishable from one another. APPs that were not labeled as sterile were contaminated with Bacillus species. The product was immediately recalled internally and replaced with APPs from another manufacturer that were labeled as sterile. On January 3, 2011, the manufacturer voluntarily recalled its APPs. Healthcare facilities, healthcare providers, and users of APPs should avoid the use of APPs not specifically labeled as sterile.

Serratia marcescens bacteremia because of contaminated prefilled heparin and saline syringes: A multi-state report

A national outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteremia because of contaminated prefilled heparin and saline syringes led to their recall. We evaluated the clinical impact of this outbreak in 57 patients at 3 centers. All patients were symptomatic and were treated with intravenous antibiotics with a fatal outcome in 1 patient.

Timing of intravenous patient-controlled remifentanil bolus during early labour

Remifentanil labour analgesia is superior to nitrous oxide but less potent than epidural analgesia. The short onset and offset times of effect suggest that the timing of the bolus in the contraction cycle could have importance. We hypothesised that administering a remifentanil bolus during contraction pause would improve analgesia in early labour. With permission from the ethical committee and the National Authority of Medicines, 50 parturients with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and informed consent participated in a double blind cross-over study. Intravenous doses of 0.4 μg/kg remifentanil with 1-min infusion times were used during two study periods lasting six to eight contractions. Remifentanil and saline syringes were attached to two patient-controlled devices, one of which administered the bolus immediately after a trigger and the other targeted to start 140 s before the next contraction. The parturients assessed contraction pain, pain relief, sedation and nausea. Oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) pulse and blood pressure were recorded. SaO(2)<95% was the indication for oxygen supplement. Forty-one parturients were included in the analyses. Because of the period effect, pain and pain relief scores were analysed separately for each of the study periods. The mean pain and pain relief scores were similar during the two different dosing regimens. Side effects, the need for supplemental oxygen, SaO(2) and haemodynamics were similar. In a subgroup with long and regular contractions, however, delayed boluses were associated with lower pain scores. Administering a remifentanil bolus during the uterine contraction pause does not improve pain relief.

As Easy as 1, 2, 3

At a recent Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station, the task was to prepare an intravenous infusion of insulin to be given at a rate of 2 u/h. The candidates had a vial of insulin containing 100 u/ml, a 500 ml bottle of normal saline and various syringes and needles. It was surprising how difficult some candidates found this. They had to write down their calculations and then make up the infusion. The worst candidate fell to pieces after writing: 1 ml = 100 u; 1 ml + 9 ml normal saline = 10 ml = 100 u; 5 ml = 50 u; 450 = ; 1 ml = 10; her writing tailed off here. Did innumeracy lead to her collapse? The best candidate proceeded logically to write down in five steps exactly what she would do and she got it right. Her only peculiar step was to dilute 1 ml of insulin from the vial into 9 ml of normal saline; and then take 1 ml of this to add to the 500 ml bottle. She could just have taken 0.1 ml from the insulin vial to add directly to the i.v. bottle. Then infusing the saline at a rate of 100 ml/h would give the desired dosage of insulin. Her calculations were correct; unfortunately, she spoilt her marks by drawing up some air into the syringe which she did not expel before doing the transfers. There is any number of examples …

Catheter-Related Polymicrobial Bloodstream Infections among Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Outpatients—Atlanta, Georgia, 2007

To identify risk factors for polymicrobial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) outpatients attending a newly constructed clinic affiliated with a children's hospital. All 30 outpatients treated at a new BMT clinic during September 10-21, 2007, were enrolled in a cohort study. The investigation included interviews, medical records review, observations, and bacterial culture and molecular typing of patient and environmental isolates. Data were analyzed using exact conditional logistic regression. Thirteen patients experienced BSIs caused by 16 different, predominantly gram-negative organisms. Presence of a tunneled catheter (odds ratio [OR], 19.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.4-infinity), catheter access (OR, 13.7 [95% CI, 1.8-infinity]), and flushing of a catheter with predrawn saline (OR, 12.9 [95% CI, 1.0-766.0]) were independently associated with BSI. The odds of experiencing a BSI increased by a factor of 16.8 with each additional injection of predrawn saline (95% CI, 1.8-827.0). Although no environmental source of pathogens was identified, interviews revealed breaches in recommended infection prevention practice and medication handling. Saline flush solutions were predrawn, and multiple doses were obtained from single-dose preservative-free vials to avoid delays in patient care. We speculate that infection prevention challenges in the new clinic, combined with successive needle punctures of vials, facilitated extrinsic contamination and transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. We recommend that preservative-free single-use vials not be punctured more than once. Use of single-use prefilled saline syringes might prevent multiuse of single-use saline vials. Storage of saline outside a medication supply system might be advisable. Before opening new clinic facilities, hospitals should consider conducting a mock patient flow exercise to identify infection control challenges.

Microbiologic Contamination and Time Efficiency of Use of Automatic MDCT Injectors With Prefilled Syringes: Results of a Clinical Investigation

Multiple use of syringes in automatic injectors is considered to place patients at risk of septic complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiologic contamination and time efficiency associated with routine clinical use of single-use prefilled disposable syringes for contrast administration. To ensure a hygienic background, imprints of devices and the palms of the hands of staff members were microbiologically analyzed before the clinical investigation. The microbiologic contamination of prefilled contrast and saline syringes was analyzed according to two protocols: single use of prefilled contrast syringes and saline syringes (n = 60) and single use of prefilled contrast syringes but multiple use of saline syringes for four injections or patients (n = 60). The time required for assembly of the injection system and filling and refilling for each protocol was measured. Contamination of the surfaces of devices and palms in the CT department was within the acceptable range for hygienic conditions. Prefilled disposable syringes for the contrast agent and saline solution used once had no microbiologic contamination. Microbial contamination with coagulase-negative staphylococci was found in two saline syringes used repeatedly. The time for assembly of the injection system and installation of prefilled syringes did not differ significantly (p = 0.45) between the single-use protocol (2.3 +/- 1.1 minutes) and the multiple-use protocol (2.0 +/- 1.4 minutes). Use of prefilled contrast syringes with single-use saline syringes is associated with time-efficient assembly of injection systems and prevents microbiologic contamination in clinical routine, especially in the care of immunocompromised patients.