The Comparison of Flushing With Prefilled Saline Syringes Versus Manually Prepared Saline Syringes on Colonization of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Children

We appreciate the study performed and described by Devrim et al, who practice at Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. This study aimed to compare the colonization rates of short-term PIVC tips between patients' catheters flushed with manually prepared saline syringes and single-use prefilled saline syringes. The practice of manually preparing saline syringes for use in flushing intravenous catheters is uncommon in many health care organizations. While many health care organizations have permanently exchanged manual flush syringe preparation for prefilled single-use saline syringes, we are respectful of professionals and organizations who serve in areas where practice is different. As noted, we appreciate Devrim et al's study and described findings. The conclusion of this study affirms and further substantiates the INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice described in Standard 38. Flushing and Locking. Practice Recommendation - A. Use single-dose systems (eg, single-dose vials and syringes or prefilled labeled syringes) for all VAD flushing and locking. Additional recommendations are listed in A.2. and A.3. Use commercially manufactured prefilled flush syringes (when available) to reduce the risk of catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) and device failure, save time for syringe preparation, and aid optimal flushing technique and objectives. 3. Do not use IV solution containers (eg, bags or bottles) as a source for obtaining flush solutions (see Standard 56, Compounding and Preparation of Parenteral Solutions and Medications).