GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PRACTICE IN CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERIZATION

Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly used in clinical practice and are associated with several complications, including early and lat e onset infection. In these guidelines, an outline of good practice fo r the use of CVC and the prevention of associated infections is presen ted. Definitions of both localized and systemic catheter-related sepsi s are given. Subsequent good practice in relation to the insertion of CVC, including patient preparation, planned duration of catheterizatio n, catheter materials and design of the CVC, are presented. Skin fixat ion and insertion site care, including the use of dressings and admini stration sets, as well as an approach to flow obstructions, are also r eviewed. The clinical and microbiological diagnosis of catheter-relate d sepsis and its treatment is next presented. Finally, guidelines for CVC removal and replacement are given. The guidelines are designed to facilitate the development of good practice in the use of CVC, allowin g appropriate protocols to be formulated and to reduce infection risk.