Description

This article is available to members for free.

Goal: To provide an overview of infections associated with catheter use and catheter locking solutions as an effective means of prevention.

Objectives:

1. Discuss locking solutions as a means used to prevent catheter-related infections.
2. Outline previously published study results indicating the success of locking solutions for the treatment of catheter-related infections.
3. Describe the preferred properties of an ideal lock solution.

Statement of Disclosure: The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

CMS Disclaimer: The work upon which this publication is based was performed under Contract Number HHSM-500-2006-NW007C, entitled End Stage Renal Disease Networks Organization for the State of Florida, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the ideas presented. This article is a direct result of the Health Care Quality Improvement Program initiated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which has encouraged identification of quality improvement projects derived from analysis of patterns of care, and therefore, required no special funding on the part of this contractor.