Insertion and Use of Arterial Catheters: A Survey of Clinician Antiseptic Technique

摘要

RATIONALE: Recent studies have shown that the incidenceof bloodstream infections (BSIs) associated witharterial catheters (ACs) is comparable to that of centralvenous catheters (CVCs). In 2011, the CDC publishedguidelines recommending the use of limited barrier precautionsduring AC insertion. The goal of this study wasto assess the attitudes and current antiseptic techniquesemployed by physicians who place arterial catheters inintensive care units.METHODS: An anonymous, web-based survey was sentto critical care physicians from multiple specialties at sixteaching hospitals in Rhode Island.RESULTS: Survey response rate was 33% (27/83). Only44% of participants reported using CDC-recommendedbarrier precautions during AC insertion, and only 15%reported using full barrier precautions.CONCLUSIONS: Use of barrier precautions for arterialcatheter insertion was inconsistent in the cohort surveyed.Less than half of physicians surveyed were incompliance with CDC guidelines. Further studies arewarranted to determine the optimal preventive strategiesfor reducing BSIs associated with ACs.