An Evaluation of Monthly versus BI-Monthl Y CAPO Solution Transfer Set Changes

We compared the safety of monthly and bimonthly solution transfer set tubing changes by following 40 patients for one year. In 20 the solutiontransfer-set tubing was changed monthly and in 20 the tubing was changed every two months. In the monthly group, there were 10 episodes of peritonitis per 192 patient months and, in the bi-monthly group, 10 episodes of peritonitis per 207 patient months. Spike durability was assessed in both groups over a six-month period. Of the tubings that were changed monthly, 23% had spikes with curled edges or chips, compared to 25% in the bi-monthly group. The tubing material proved durable over a two month period when the two groups were compared. There was no statistically significant difference in peritonitis rates or spike failure rates. Changing the solution transfer set every two months offers a practical and safe alternative to the customary monthly change.