Re: changing positive pressure caps

[Denise Macklin]

There are not specific studies related to changing connectors.  In many locations it has become accepted procedure to clean hub threads with an alcohol pad when visible blood is present.  Dried blood is a good medium for bacteria adherence and colonization.  It is important to remember that touch contamination is the first point at which bacterial contamination can occur.  So this whole process should be developed with this in mind.  In my own experience I have seen it both ways.  Cleaning the hub and not cleaning the hub.  The issue is the practitioner and how he/she completes the procedure.   Denise Macklin ----- Original Message ----- From: Glenn and Dayna Holt To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 12:47 AM Subject: changing positive pressure caps I have a question for the group.  When you change the positive pressure cap on your central line, what technique do you use?  Sterile gloves or not?  Do you scrub the threads of the hub with alcohol before attaching the new cap or do you not touch the threads of the hub?  Does anyone have any standards and/or studies that support a particular technique?   Dayna Holt, RN, CRNI San Diego