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01/07/2011 at 3:09 pm #68673
What is an Intermittent Infusion?
We have recently been reviewing the literature on CVADS and found that there appears to be much confusion regarding the definition of intermittent infusions, and subsequently there are many different interpretations amongst staff.
Currently we recommend that intermittent infusion lines should be changed every 24 hours.
One reason provided for this is:
All intermittent infusions, when not infusing, are a stagnant column of fluid that increases the risk of infection if inadvertent contamination occurs.Although intermittent infusion is not defined, it is documented to include:
when a patient is disconnected from a continuous infusion, eg when disconnecting an infusion for showering. (Although we wont be recommending this)The following are some common scenarios that I have been questioned about. I would be interested to know the opinion of other Infection Prevention Consultants.
A) A line that is frequently accessed but remains connected to the patient at all times and running. Eg a burette with a KVO rate in-between drug infusions.
Intermittent or Continuous?B) An administration line with an add-a-line that is connected and being re-used. IVABs are given through the re-used add-a-line, bags frequently changed. Fluid running continuously via the primary line.
Intermittent or Continuous?C) An administration line that remains connected to a patient but is stopped and re-started later. No disconnection/re-connection occurring. Fluid left stagnant for a period of time.
Intermittent or Continuous?Regards
Pauline
Pauline Bass
Infection Prevention Nurse Consultant
Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology
Alfred Health
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