Comparative In Vitro Efficacies of Various Catheter Lock Solutions

Abstract

MEDTA (minocycline-edetate calcium disodium), taurolidine (2%)-polyvinylpyrolidine (5%) (T/PVP), and ethanol as potential catheter lock solutions have a unique mechanism of action, broad-spectrum activity, and anticoagulant properties. Traditional lock solutions minocycline (M), rifampin (R), ciprofloxacin (C), and vancomycin, except pharmacologic concentrations of C and R and of M and R, were less effective than MEDTA and T/PVP.