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Goal: To provide an overview of strategies in reducing infection while performing the buttonhole technique.

Objectives:

Explain a process that patient care staff can institute to prevent buttonhole infections.
Discuss the implications of using sharp needles long-term.
Describe how improper cannulation technique can cause an infection in a buttonhole cannulation site.aging with issues presented are welcomed.

Disclaimer: The analyses upon which this publication is based were performed under Contract Number HHSM-500-2006-NW016C entitled End Stage Renal Disease Networks Organization for the States of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication does ot 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. Ideas and contributions to the author concerning experience in engaging with issues presented are welcomed.

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

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