Using isopropyl alcohol impregnated disinfection caps in the neonatal intensive care unit can cause isopropyl alcohol toxicity

作者：Sauron Charlotte^*; Jouvet Philippe; Pinard Genevieve; Goudreault Danielle; Martin Brigitte; Rival Bastien; Moussa Ahmed

来源：Acta Paediatrica, 2015, 104(11): E489-E493.

DOI：10.1111/apa.13099

• Central line infections
• Gas chromatography
• Neonate
• Valve disinfection

AimThe safety of SwabCap alcohol impregnated disinfection caps was questioned in our unit because of malfunctions in luer access valves. We examined whether SwabCaps affected the integrity of two luer access valves and were associated with alcohol injected into the lines.
MethodsOur bench test study included seven circuits using SmartSite or CARESITE valves exposed to two environmental temperatures. Passive circuits consisted of a 96-hour contact system using SwabCap without other interventions. Active circuits consisted of nine sham injections during a 24-hour period, with the SwabCap replaced after each injection. The active control circuit used isopropyl alcohol impregnated pads to disinfect valves. Isopropyl alcohol was measured at the extremity of all active circuits by gas chromatography.
ResultsThe visual appearance of all SmartSite valves and 67% of the CARESITE valves was changed by SwabCap use. The mean isopropyl alcohol dosages were 52mmol/L in the SmartSite and 8mmol/L in the CARESITE at room temperature and 73 and 7mmol/L, respectively, at 35 degrees C. No alcohol was found in the control circuit.
ConclusionThe SwabCap altered the valves' appearance and allowed significant amounts of isopropyl alcohol to be injected. It should not be used for neonates without further research.

• 出版日期2015-11