A
question for anyone/everyone!!
I am
researching positive pressure caps and in-line filters. Our hospital
uses filters on central lines because they are bacteriostatic- and our
infection rate appropriately declined soon after initiation. Later, we
started using positive-pressure caps (CLC2000's) to assist with clotted
catheters for those lines that are not being used for continuous fluids.
Here's my question-
According to the manufacturer's rep, the CLC2000 would not be
beneficial if it is placed on a bacteriostatic filter because the filter has a
small air-vent in it to filter out small amounts of air.
Therefore: it would allow the positive pressure to push against the air
instead of keeping pressure on the line itself. There is no research or
articles about it, neither is there anything mentioned in the manufacturer's
information sheets about the relationship of positive pressure caps and add-on
filters. My feeling is that if there is a filter, a CLC2000 should not
be used. The CLC2000 should go directly on the end of the CVC to work
appropriately.
Any
thoughts? You can email me directly if you would prefer.
Thank you ahead of time for your input.
Melody Corkhill, RN4, CRNI
Moses Cone Health System
Greensboro, NC
