Junctional Care: The Key to Prevention of Catheter Sepsis in Intravenous Feeding

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Abstract
Investigation of an outbreak of infection related to intravenous feeding catheters, predominantly with Staphylococcus epidermidis, suggested that the probable origin was the connections in the delivery system. Equipment and policy changes were then instituted: a catheter with integral hub was used, the connections were reduced from two to one, and improved antisepsis at the connection was devised. These actions resulted in a sustained, significant reduction in the catheter sepsis rate, supportng the hypothesis that junctional care is vital to the avoidance of catheter infection. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 11:159-162 1987)