The influence of hand hygiene prior to insertion of peripheral venous catheters on the frequency of complications

In a prospective multi-centre study involving 1132 peripheral venous cathet ers in three hospitals, the relationship between various measures of hand h ygiene before insertion of peripheral venous catheters and the frequency of 'infectious complications', such as local reddening, swelling, pain, purul ence and fe-ver of unknown origin, were analysed. For documentation of the relevant data, special protocol forms, one for each catheter, were filled i n at the time of insertion and removal of catheters. In comparison with simple hand washing, disinfection of hands before the in sertion or wearing of gloves resulted in significantly fewer complications (relative risk 0.59 and 0.66, respectively). Normal hand washing was no bet ter than no hand hygiene (relative risk 1.13), with regard to reduction of complications. This underlines the necessity of employing more effective me asures of hand hygiene. The frequency of complications was dependent on the duration of peripheral venous catheterization. Catheters inserted in the o perating room had a significantly lower risk of complications than catheter s inserted on the ward or in the outpatient unit. (C) 2001 The Hospital Inf ection Society.