GUIDELINE FOR PREVENTION OF INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE-RELATED INFECTIONS .1. INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE-RELATED INFECTIONS - AN OVERVIEW

The ''Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular Device-Related Infecti ons'' is designed to reduce the incidence of intravascular device-rela ted infections by providing an overview of the evidence for recommenda tions considered prudent by consensus of Hospital Infection Control Pr actices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) members. This two-part document up dates and replaces the previously published Centers for Disease Contro l's (CDC) ''Guideline for Intravascular Infections'' (Am J Infect Cont rol 1983;11:183-99). Part I, ''Intravascular Device-Related Infections : An Overview,'' discusses many of the issues and controversies in int ravascular device use and maintenance. These issues include definition s and diagnosis of catheter-related infection, appropriate barrier pre cautions during catheter insertion, intervals for replacement of cathe ters, intravenous (IV) fluids and administration sets, catheter-site c are, the role of specialized TV personnel, and the use of prophylactic antimicrobials, flush solutions, and anticoagulants. Part II, ''Recom mendations for Prevention of Nosocomial Intravascular Device-Related I nfections,'' provides consensus recommendations of the HICPAC far the prevention and control of intravascular device-related infections. A w orking draft of this document also was reviewed by experts in hospital infection control, internal medicine, pediatrics, and intravenous the rapy. However, all recommendations contained in the guideline may net reflect the opinion of all reviewers. The ''Guideline for Prevention o f Intravascular Device-Related Infections'' is intended for use by per sonnel who are responsible for surveillance and control of infections in the acute care, hospital-based setting, but many of the recommendat ions may be adapted for use in the outpatient or home care setting.