Effectiveness of disinfectant techniques on intravenous tubing latex injection ports.

Abstract

This randomized, experimental-design study compared the effectiveness of two different disinfectant techniques for eliminating bacteria from intravenous tubing latex injection ports. The two treatment groups received a one-minute preparatory scrub of 70% isopropyl alcohol or povidone-iodine; the control group did not receive any scrub. Results showed approximately equal effectiveness of 70% isopropyl alcohol or povidone iodine on the growth of all micro-organisms. The control group ports showed significant growth of all microbes studied.