Microorganisms present on peripheral intravenous needleless connectors in the clinical environment

Publication date: Available online 20 March 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Karen Slater, Marie Cooke, Michael Whitby, Fiona Fullerton, Joel Douglas, Jennine Hay, Claire Rickard
The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated. Emergency department insertion and higher patient dependency were statistically associated with positive NC microorganism growth. These results reaffirm the need for NC decontamination prior to access.



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