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Because the OR is a clean environment, it's much less likely that maximal barrier precautions can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection to any meaningful degree.
False
Potential pathogens don't recognize man-made thresholds. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) states, "The risk of infection of CVCs is associated with the specific barrier protection used during catheter insertion rather than the sterility of the surrounding environment (i.e., ward vs. operating room)." (1) Therefore, ASA recommends maximal barrier precautions, including "a large drape (rather than a small fenestrated drape) that covers the patient's head and body." (1)
REFERENCES:
(1) Recommendations for Infection Control for the Practice of Anesthesiology (Second Edition).American Society of Anesthesiologists, available at: www.asahq.org/publicationsAndServices/infectioncontrol.pdf. Accessed April 25, 2007.
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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).
- IHI 5 Million Lives Website
- Overview
- Participants
- Implement the Central Line Bundle
- IHI Getting Started Kit: Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia How-to Guide
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
