Effect of Peripheral Venous Catheter Care on Microbiological Colonization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bacground: Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are one of the most commonly used medical tools. PVCs are inevitably required in many cases, but do cause some complications. The avoidance of catheter infections is considered one of the indications of qualified nursing care. Additionally, it has been emphasized that nurses may affect quality of care significantly by performing PVC care and carrying out the principles related to its safe management. Therefore, nurses should develop their knowledge and skills related to PVC. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) care on microbiological colonization. Design: In this double-blind study, PVC care was administered by two researchers in patients randomized into experimental and control groups. Methods: PVC was applied in patients in the experimental and control groups by two researchers. 10% poviodine was applied the area around the catheter insertion site every 24 hours in the experimental group. This application was repeated 2 times for 72 hours. In the control group, no care was administered during the same time period. After 72 hours, the catheter tip was cut with a sterile lancet from the very end, transferred to a sterile petri dish, and sent for microbiology culture test at once. Results: Colony reproduction was observed in 58.8% of patients in the control group. However, no colony reproduction occurred in the PVCs of patients in the experimental group. Conclusion: PVC care has a positive effect in preventing microbiologic colonization and colony reproduction.