Successful Disinfection of Needleless Access Ports: A Matter of Time and Friction

Abstract

Abstract Background: There is controversy as to whether the design of the needleless access port or the method used to clean it prior to access impacts successful disinfection. The authors studied the disinfection effectiveness for needleless access ports. Method: The ports of 4 models of needleless access ports were inoculated with bacteria. The ports were disinfected for 15 seconds with 70% alcohol alone or 3.15% chlorhexidine/70% alcohol (Chlorascrub, PDI, Orangeburg, NY). Saline flush solutions were collected and cultured. Results: Disinfection with either 70% alcohol alone or with 3.15% chlorhexidine/70% alcohol for 15 seconds was effective. Conclusions: All models of needleless access ports were effectively disinfected using these two methods.