Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most used device in hospitals, used for intravenous medication and for drawing blood. It is estimated that Show morePeripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most used device in hospitals, used for intravenous medication and for drawing blood. It is estimated that over 150 million catheters are inserted into patients each year in the US. About 250,000 patients with PVCs get catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBIs) which are estimated to have a $2.8 billion additional cost nationwide and a 12%-15% mortality rate. It is also estimated that a 1.6% decrease in the incidence of CRBIs would yield a cost savings of $113 per inserted catheter. These statistics denote a clinical need for a reduction of infections caused by PVCs, saving money, and more importantly, the lives of patients. These infections are most commonly caused by contamination at the catheter hub. There is only 40% adherence to current sanitization procedures, which call for the hub to be swabbed with an alcohol wipe and wait for the isopropyl alcohol to evaporate before administering treatment. Show less
