This study, Best IV Lines, aimed to compare contamination rates between sterile-covered transducers (SCT) and uncovered transducers (UCT) after low-level disinfection (LLD) in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous line (USPIV) placement. A randomized control trial was conducted over a 3-month period, including 73 patients. The UCT group had 35 patients, and the SCT group had 38. After use, the team swabbed the transducers and tested them for contamination using the SystemSURE Plus ATP Luminometer, which measures relative light units (RLU) to detect organic material on the surface.
Result
Results showed a mean RLU of 2.29 for the UCT group and 0.34 for the SCT group. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.006). The study also assessed the cost implications of using sterile covers, with each cover priced at $8.49. The PICC team places an average of 254 USPIVs per month, leading to an estimated annual cost of $25,877 for sterile transducer covers.
The findings suggest that despite the use of sterile covers, contamination rates were comparable between the groups. This questions the necessity of sterile covers for this procedure. It challenges current hospital policies and regulatory standards, which may be based on practices lacking strong supporting evidence. The study proposes that hospitals consider cost-effective alternatives, as these findings indicate that sterile transducer covers may not significantly improve contamination prevention, potentially causing unnecessary costs and procedural burdens.
While the study Best IV Lines found no significant difference in contamination rates between SCT and UCT, it raises questions about the necessity of sterile covers for USPIV placement, especially given the cost burden. The findings challenge current regulatory policies on using sterile covers and suggest that these guidelines may lack sufficient evidence. The study provides valuable insights into the potential for more cost-effective practices in USPIV placement, with minimal risk of contamination.
