antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Nick Shackleton — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:00:13 GMT

I cannulate patients (human now) on a daily daily basis and we use no gel/cream on the insertion site after placement and nor did I when I was in the veterinary field and very rarely saw any sort or reaction. It just seems wrong to blob a load of gunk around he insertion site which in theory could cause a warm, moist and dark spot which in theory could encourage bacteria to grow

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

amy sinton — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:08:07 GMT

[quote user="Angiy Michael"]Hi Amy , I love Vygon things ! [/quote]

glad to know we have a happy customer Angiy! be really interested to know more about how you get on using the drain for the pancreatitis cases. thank you again for the feedback and best of luck with the Human Nursing!!

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Angiy Michael — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:55:00 GMT

Hi Amy , I love Vygon things ! I still work part-time as a VN and we have been doing a trial at our workplace using a drain of yours in pancreatic cases..it's fabulous I do find it interesting comparing the veterinary world and human world when it comes to nursing..human nursing tends to be more geared towards evidence based practice..although I hope we are headed that way in vet nursing too..fingers crossed

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

amy sinton — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:00:17 GMT

[quote user="Angiy Michael"]Bio-connectors are generally used on the ends rather than iv bungs as this enables minimal removal and less risk of port contamination[/quote]

Hi Angiy!

it's really interesting to gain a perspective from both a human and veterinary perspective. I work for Vygon who actually manufacture the bionector so have already recommended it's use. I will certainly pass on your protocols

thank you for your advice

Best regards

Amy

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

amy sinton — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:56:20 GMT

[quote user="Steph Worsley"]then we tend to use polyfax.[/quote]

Hi steph! thanks for the advice. Only one question... what is polyfax?

Thanks

Amy

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Phrin Vernon RVN — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:40:14 GMT

[quote user="Steph Worsley"]

I think using an antibioic cream/ointment could lead to resistance problems at some point

[/quote]

I agree wholeheartedly. With proper prep and aseptic technique there should be no problem, and surely using an antibiotic gel prophylactically can only lead to resistance issues

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Angiy Michael — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:35:11 GMT

Hello !

Based on the current evidence from my human nurse training ( I'm working part-time as an RVN now and training as an adult nurse) I would avoid this..provided the cannula is placed as aseptically as possible with minimal trauma there should be no need for antibiotic gel..I would also have concerns about resistance and responsible prescribing and would want to see evidence of it's efficacy too.

As for central lines , we use them in pets at my workplace regularly and don't use any gel like this, however I feel we could tighten up on our protocols in handling them. In humans the current nursing practice is to manage all central lines aseptically..so nurses sterile glove..then swab any ports they are using with an alcohol wipe before and after use. Bio-connectors are generally used on the ends rather than iv bungs as this enables minimal removal and less risk of port contamination..each line section is also colour coded and kept for a specific purpose..so one will be for antibiotic delivery etc., Once the nurse has re-swabbed after using the bioconnector each connecor is wrapped and covered with a sterile gauze swab, taped in place..and these are replaced at each use.

Hope this helps X

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Steph Worsley — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:24:24 GMT

we don't use anything especially around central lines, if we are concerned with feeding tube sites then we tend to use polyfax.

generally if the area is properly prepared prior to placement and the line/tube is placed aseptically, and areas checked/dressings changed a least daily then you should be ok.

I think using an antibioic cream/ointment could lead to resistance problems at some point

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

amy sinton — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:42:05 GMT

thanks for the swift reply Juliet. Having read an article in the veterinary record last week about anitbiotic resistance... i wondered if it is something that i should be recommending or not?

Re: antibiotic gel for cannula/catheters

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:31:31 GMT

i used to us betadine ointment around central lines, chest drain, and oesophageal wounds.

it has gone off the market now

i have heard of a triple antibiotic ointment used in the states, but i have had no success in tracing any in this country.

i would be very interested to know if you came accross any