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Male luer contamination solutions. Male luers can be contaminated.
Read a success story about a facility that included male luer solutions as part of their disinfection bundle.
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Male luers shouldn’t be overlooked as a source of contamination. An ICU study found that up to 37 percent of male luers are contaminated.¹ One study even found a higher percentage of male luers to be contaminated compared to needleless injection sites.² Additionally, over half (52%) of clinician respondents said their organizational policies and procedures did not include instructions for the management of the male luer end of the administration set.¹ This lack of knowledge can lead to unsupported practices.
Unsupported practices
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Uncovered -
Looping -
Reusing a sterile cap -
Covering with foil
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Clean or contaminated?
21% of respondents thought that cleaning was only required during accidental contamination.³
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Uncapped. Unprotected.
90% of respondents acknowledged that they have observed IV sets used to administer intermittent medications left disconnected and uncapped.
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Contamination in routine practice.
V1 in 3 male luers become contaminated in routine practice.¹
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Sources of contamination.
Contamination of male luers can result from airborne microbes, connecting to a contaminated needleless injection site, the luer touching the IV pole, bed, patient’s skin or even from inadvertent contamination from the nurse.
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disinfection misconception.
Nearly 60% of surveyed clinicians didn’t realize there was a need to clean the male luer with a disinfecting agent.³
Infection reduction success story
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One facility recognized a need for better disinfection policies for male luers. Their implementation of a new peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) bundle reduced primary bloodstream infections and increased compliance.
This article was published in Journal of the Association for Vascular Access, Vol 23, Mary Duncan, Patricia Warden, Stéphanie F. Bernatchez, Dan Morse, A Bundled Approach to Decrease the Rate of Primary Bloodstream Infections Related to Peripheral Intravenous Catheters, Page 7-14, Copyright Association for Vascular Access (2018).
3M™ Curos Tips™ Disinfecting Caps for Male Luers achieved a 99.99% reduction in 6 microbes commonly associated with central-line associated bloodstream infections.4,5
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Learn about our Curos portfolio for all lines and access points -
Request a demo of Curos Tips disinfecting caps -
Discover the latest contamination statistics
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3M™ PEAK™ Clinical Outcomes ProgramThe 3M™ PEAK™ Clinical Outcomes Program gives you access to a team of 3M Clinical Specialists and a robust portfolio of tools to help you navigate IV care obstacles and implement change.
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Stop Bloodstream Infections Before They StartAs your partner in protecting patients, we want to do everything in our power to help you achieve your goal of zero bloodstream infections. Learn more about free educational resources and evidence-based products to help you stop bloodstream infections before they start.
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A Bundled Approach to Decrease the Rate of Primary Bloodstream Infections Related to Peripheral Intravenous CathetersWatch this webinar to earn free CE credit! Learn from Mary Duncan, RN, MSN, CIC. Sr. Director of Infection Prevention, about a new study that showed reduction of primary bloodstream infections (BSIs) by following a Peripheral IV Maintenance Bundle.
Sources:
1. Lopansri, et al., "Microbial Colonization of Needleless Intraenous Connectors and the Male Luer End of IV Administration Sets: Does the Partner Matter?" Shea 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting
2. Akridge, J. "Infection prevention efforts as varied as infections", Healthcare Purchasing News, vol 34, no. 7 pp. 44
3. Hadaway, L., "Intermittent Intravenous Administration Sets: Survey of Current Practices," JAVA, vol.12, no 3, pp. 143-147, 2007
4. For more information regarding organisms associated with central line–associated bloodstream infections, refer to: Weiner, et al. Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Associated With Healthcare-Associated Infections: Summary of Data Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011–2014. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 2016;1–14.
5. Data reflects in vitro findings on Curos™ Disinfecting Port Protectors
Social sources:
1. Hadaway, L., “Intermittent Intravenous Administration Sets: Survey of Current Practices,” JAVA, vol.12, no 3, pp. 143-147, 2007
2. Lopansri, et al., “Microbial Colonization of Needleless Intravenous Connectors and the Male Luer End of IV Administration Sets: Does the Partner
Matter?” SHEA 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting
3. Infusion Nurses Society, Infusion Nursing: an evidence based approach, pp. 404-406
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