Guideline for prevention of intravascular device-related infections - Part I. Intravascular device-related infections: An overview

The "Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular Device-Related Infections" is designed to reduce the incidence of intravascular device-related infections by providing an overview of the evidence for recommendations considered prudent by consensus of Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) members. This two-part document updates and replaces the previously published Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) "Guideline for Intravascular Infections" (Am J Infect Control 1983;11:183-99). Part I, "Intravascular Device-Related Infections: An Overview," discusses many of the issues and controversies in intravascular device use and maintenance. These issues include definitions and diagnosis of catheter-related infection, appropriate barrier precautions during catheter insertion, intervals for replacement of catheters, intravenous (IV) fluids and administration sets, catheter-site care, the role of specialized IV personnel, and the use of prophylactic antimicrobials, flush solutions, and anticoagulants. Part II, "Recommendations for Prevention of Nosocomial Intravascular Device-Related Infections," provides consensus recommendations of the HICPAC for the prevention and control of intravascular device-related infections. A working draft of this document also was reviewed by experts in hospital infection control, internal medicine, pediatrics, and intravenous therapy. However, all recommendations contained in the guideline may not reflect the opinion of all reviewers. The "Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular Device-Related Infections" is intended for use by personnel who are responsible for surveillance and control of infections in the acute care, hospital-based setting, but many of the recommendations may be adapted for use in the outpatient or home care setting.