Assessment of peripheral venous catheters microbiota and its association with phlebitis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) remain the primary mode of short-term venous access for managing intravenous fluid, obtaining blood samples, and peripheral parenteral nutrition. They may get contaminated and require regular monitoring to prevent complications. This study evaluated the occurrence of phlebitis and its associated-clinical and microbiological indicators. METHODS: The frequency of phlebitis was evaluated in hospitalized patients of both medical and surgical fields. Subsequently, the dichotomous association between the presence of phlebitis and the clinical aspects was investigated. In parallel, the bacterial contamination of PVCs was assessed through culture-based methods, microscopy observation, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Approximately one in four patients presented phlebitis (28.4%). The most frequent symptom was erythema at access site, with or without pain, corresponding to Score 1 on the phlebitis scale (17.9%). Colonization of both lumen and external surface of PVC was observed in 31.3% of the samples. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas were the most isolated bacterial genera on the PVC surface. No significant association was observed between the presence of phlebitis and the clinical aspects, as well as the presence of microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Microorganism were present on both internal and external PVC surface, without being associated to phlebitis.

Unveiling the efficacy of latex gloves in preventing viral infections during needlestick injuries: An in vitro mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Gloves are personal protective equipment designed to prevent contamination and reduce the spread of microorganisms. This study aimed to assess in vitro the physical integrity of latex gloves and the retention of biological contamination in healthcare simulation. METHOD: Three different batches of latex procedure gloves from five different brands and specific batches were evaluated before use for physical integrity by the standard protocols of the Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and of the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, the retention of biological contamination by latex procedure gloves in needlestick injury simulation with crystal violet and bacteriophages were applied in order to mimic human blood and virus presence. RESULTS: Brands D and C showed the best and worst results in the immediate inspections and after 2 min, respectively. For Brand C, damage occurred in one finger/region in a total of 12 gloves, while seven gloves were damaged/unable to be worn. Brand D presented only two gloves with tears and/or holes in one finger/region. Regarding the viral contamination, in a simulated needlestick injury, data showed no significant difference among the groups. CONCLUSION: All glove brands presented physical damage that might affect the spread of microorganisms. The gloves did not exert an additional protective effect during a needlestick injury simulation in accordance with the two techniques used in this study.