To prevent bloodstream infections after catheter insertion, what should be done at the catheter hub?

Scrubbing the catheter hub for 15 seconds is important for effective disinfection and prevention of bloodstream infections. This practice is based on guidelines that emphasize the need for thorough cleaning to eliminate harmful pathogens that can be present on the hub's surface. The 15-second duration ensures that the antiseptic solution has enough time to reduce microbial load adequately.

A shorter duration, such as 5 seconds, may not provide sufficient time for the disinfectant to act effectively, potentially leaving bacteria or other microorganisms on the surface, which heightens the risk of infection. Simply using alcohol wipes alone does not ensure that the entire surface is adequately disinfected or that the technique is consistently followed, leading to variable results. Furthermore, neglecting to perform any cleaning procedure at the hub significantly increases the likelihood of transmitting pathogens from the environment or from healthcare personnel to the bloodstream through the catheter.

Thus, the recommendation to scrub the hub for 15 seconds effectively minimizes the risk of bloodstream infections following catheter insertion, aligning with best practices in infection control and patient safety protocols.