Vascular Access Solutions
Solutions you need to secure and protect
Every I.V. site can potentially result in infection, dislodgement, skin damage1 and other complications.2 These can cause patient discomfort and pain, extended hospital stays, additional therapy and surgical intervention—even increased patient mortality.
3M Science presents innovations for you to protect every I.V. catheter from insertion, maintenance and to removal. Our broad portfolio makes it easy for you to choose and use the right products: from hand hygiene, skin preps, barrier films and transparent dressings.
We can help you deliver compassionate care with evidence-based products and services to provide patient and clinician safety, prevent the risks of costly complications and improve patient satisfaction.
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Antimicrobial ProtectionCatheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are one of the most serious and costly health care-acquired infections (HAIs), leading to increased costs associated with extended hospital stays, illnesses and deaths. The estimated average cost for treating a single CRBSI is $29,5001 per episode in Australia and between $20,000 to $54,0002 in New Zealand.
Choose 3M Tegaderm Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Securement dressing with an integrated antimicrobial Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) gel pad to help reduce the risk of contamination from flora on the surface of the skin.3
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Skin ProtectionHealthy skin maintenance around a vascular access device is critical to reducing infection risk, maintaining a securement dressing or device and patient comfort. Although Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries (MARSI) continue across care settings, the risks can be minimized with preparation of the skin and selection of proper adhesives.4
3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film forms a protective barrier between the skin and the adhesive of the securement dressing, device or medical tape to help reduce the risk of MARSI.
3M™ Medical Tapes provide a variety of backings and adhesives for you to select the most appropriate adhesive product based on its intended purpose. To help reduce the risk of cross contamination among patients, 3M offers many of its tapes in single-patient use rolls.5
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Bacterial and Viral Barrier DressingsThe thin film backing of 3M™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Film Dressings provides a barrier to liquids, bacteria and viruses,* yet allows water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged. The sterile film includes a latex-free hypoallergenic, flexible adhesive which enables long wear time and full site visibility to minimise unnecessary dressing changes.
* In vitro testing shows that the transparent film provides a viral barrier from viruses 27 nm in diameter or larger while the dressing remains intact without leakage.
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Catheter SecurementProviding exceptional I.V. site care is a tough job. You’re expected to ensure I.V. sites are stable and secure, manage the risks of healthcare-acquired infections, provide a positive patient experience whilst keeping an eye on the bottom line.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections, 2011 and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Nursing Standards of Practice, 2021, recommend the use of a catheter stabilisation device for all I.V. catheters.6
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Advanced Securement Dressings3M™ Tegaderm™ I.V. Advanced Securement Dressings include a deep notch, stabilisation border and dual adhesive technology to provide the comfort and protection your patients deserve. These dressings meet the CDC and INS definitions of a catheter securement or stabilisation device.7
Resources
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CE Courses Available on 3M℠ Health Care Academy
The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) released the 8th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice in January 2021. This most recent edition contained practice recommendations pertaining to skin antisepsis which caused some concern regarding acceptable product (or product requirements) for skin preparation prior to Vascular Access Device (VAD) placement and for care and maintenance, of the insertion site during dressing changes.
The comprehensive nature of infusion therapy, including care delivery to all patient populations in all care settings, eliminating complications, promoting vein preservation and ensuring patient satisfaction commands support for clinicians responsible for patient outcomes. INS encourages users to carefully read through the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and make the appropriate updates relevant to their clinical practice.
Please refer to the 8th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice to view the verbatim comprehensive standards and practice recommendations.
Have a question? We are here to help.
Footnotes
1. Collignon PJ et al (2007) Intravascular catheter bloodstream infections: an effective and sustained hospital-wide prevention program over 8 years. MJA Vol 187, No 10;p.551-554
2. Seddon ME, et al (2011). Aiming for zero: decreasing central line associated bacteremia in the intensive care unit. New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMA), July 2011; Vol 124No 1339
3. Mermel, LA, McCormick, RD, Springman, SR, Maki, DG. The pathogenesis and epidemiology of catheter-related infection with pulmonary artery Swan-Ganz catheters: A prospective study utilizing molecular sub-typing. American Journal of Medicine. (1991) 91; 197S-205S.
4. McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray M. Medical Adhesives and Patient Safety: State of the Science. Journal Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing. 2013; 40(4): 365-380.
5. Infection Control Today Vol 17, No. 1, Single-Patient Rolls of Medical Tapes Reduce Cross-Contamination Risk (January 2013).
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-related Infections. Healthcare Infection Control (Appendix 1). Clin Infect Dis, 2011; 52(9):e162.
7. Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, 2021.
