Study: UV device shows promise in disinfecting needleless connectors

A handheld ultraviolet light disinfection system showed promise in quickly disinfecting needleless connectors of central venous catheters, which could reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections, a benchmark study found. Published this week in the American Journal of Infection Control, the authors believe the speed and simplicity of the ultraviolet light disinfection system could improve compliance in disinfecting needleless connectors. The current standard of care entails using alcohol-containing caps or up to a 15-second scrub with alcohol or chlorhexidine. The researchers inoculated four bacteria on the needleless connectors and observed a reduction in colony-forming units after using ultraviolet light for one second on the needless connectors. They plan to conduct additional clinical studies. (American Journal of Infection Control article, 4/22/24)