The coated antiseptic tip (CAT) syringe

Abstract

Catheter-related blood stream infections (CR-BSI) account for 30% of healthcare acquired infection (HAI). Colonization of connector hubs and contaminated syringes are thought to increase the risk of CR-BSI. The Coated Antiseptic Tip (CAT) syringe was developed to decontaminate connector hubs, thereby reducing the risk of CR-BSI. Needleless valves (n = 20) and three-way connectors (n = 20) were contaminated with common critical care pathogens. At hourly intervals, CAT syringes were inserted into the connector hubs and normal saline was injected through the connector. This was repeated with control (non-coated) syringes. The internal surface of the connector hubs were swabbed at t = 0, t = 1 h and t = 4 h, inoculated onto blood agar plates and analysed by a blinded microbiologist. Growth was counted as the number of colony forming units. Baseline swabbing demonstrated 100% bacterial hub colonization in both connectors. The CAT syringe showed a significant reduction in CFU growth at 0 and 1 h compared with control syringes (p < 0.05). At 4 h, the CAT syringe completely eliminated bacterial growth in both of the connector hubs. The CAT syringe can effectively disinfect both three-way and needleless connectors.

Minimising Blood Stream Infection: Developing New Materials for Intravascular Catheters

“…An alternative design has been proposed by Buchmann et al (2009) whereby the cap encapsulates the entire terminal end of the NFC including the thread ( Figure 4 B) and, in contrast to the simple insert cap highlighted in Figure 4 A, is intended to remain attached during flush procedures [ 85 ]. Mariyaselvam et al (2015) reported that contamination of syringe tips is an often overlooked factor in the development of CRBSI and hence retention of the antimicrobial foam as a secondary septum could aid in the decontamination of the tips prior to entering the NFC [ 86 ].…”