Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tourniquets used for peripheral venous vascular access such as blood sampling are regularly contaminated in clinical routine. Although most contaminations are harmless, some pose a possible risk for infection. To improve peripheral venous access infection control standards, tourniquets with no or as few as possible bacterial burden should be used. Conventional tourniquets can be reprocessed by autoclaving or by incubating in disinfectants. However, both methods are time-consuming and not suitable for immediate use between patients. In contrast, silicone tourniquets can be quickly and simply reprocessed with wipe disinfection. In vitro studies from the manufacturer have demonstrated reduced bacterial contamination on silicone tourniquets after usage compared to convention

SUBMITTER: Grohmann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7098146 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature