The Impact of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol-Impregnated Disinfecting Caps on Needleless Connector Colonization in Ambulatory Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients.

OBJECTIVE

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are essential in pediatric oncology but pose a risk of catheter-related infections. This study assesses the impact of 70% isopropyl alcohol-impregnated disinfecting caps on microbial colonization of needleless connectors (NCs) and extension set lumens.

DESIGN

This is a single-center, open-label, prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 23 pediatric patients (50 treatment episodes) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia using TIVADs.

METHODS

From April to July 2024, patients with double-lumen extension sets and needleless connectors (NCs) were included. One NC remained uncovered, while the other was capped with a 70% alcohol-impregnated disinfecting cap. Surface cultures were obtained from the uncovered NC on days 2, 3, and 4, and from the capped NC on day 4.

RESULTS

Microbial colonization was significantly higher in uncovered NCs (63.3%) than in capped NCs (2%) (P < .001). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant isolates (88.4%). Intraluminal colonization was also higher in uncovered NCs (76% vs. 6%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol-impregnated disinfecting caps significantly reduce microbial colonization of NCs and extension set lumens in pediatric oncology patients, suggesting their effectiveness in infection prevention.