Sodium hypochlorite in antisepsis of children’s and new-born babies’ skin prior to insertion of peripheral venous catheter

Abstract

Antisepsis of the skin of children to whom a peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is to be attached is an important factor in reducing catheter related infections. No data are available on the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite. Explorative study of children and new-born babies treated in hospital to ascertain bacterial contamination levels of PVC tips as surrogate infection indicator. In a sample of 51 children and 52 new-born babies, catheter tips were found contaminated for 7.8% of the children and 3.8% of the new-born babies. The positive results of this pilot study suggest that serious consideration should be given to assessing Amukine Med 0.05% for use with PVCs.