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Though the reason for following maximal barrier
precautions is sound, there’s little evidence available
that these procedures actually reduce infections.

 

False

 

According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, two studies of central line insertions show that:

 

"... the application of maximal barrier precautions substantially reduces the odds of developing a bloodstream infection. Mermel et al. demonstrated that the odds ratio was 2.2 times greater for infection without maximal barrier precautions, while Raad et al. demonstrated a 6.3 times greater likelihood for infection without precautions."(1)

 

With more and more PICC inserters paying attention to the infection-prevention protocols for central lines, the evidence is a positive sign that maximal barrier precautions could help reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection among PICC patients.

 

 

REFERENCES:

(1) "Getting Started Kit: Prevent Central Line Infections." The Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2005, p. 5.

 

 

 

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Institute of Healthcare Improvement
 5 million lives campaign

The 5 Million Lives Campaign is a voluntary initiative to protect patients from five million incidents of medical harm over the next two years (December 2006 – December 2008).

 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee