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Using isopropyl alcohol impregnated disinfection caps in the neonatal intensive care unit can cause isopropyl alcohol toxicity
Author(s) -
Sauron Charlotte,
Jouvet Philippe,
Pinard Geneviève,
Goudreault Danielle,
Martin Brigitte,
Rival Bastien,
Moussa Ahmed
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.13099
Subject(s) - isopropyl alcohol , alcohol , medicine , isopropyl , anesthesia , ethanol , surgery , organic chemistry , chemistry
Aim The safety of SwabCap alcohol impregnated disinfection caps was questioned in our unit because of malfunctions in luer access valves. We examined whether SwabCaps affected the integrity of two luer access valves and were associated with alcohol injected into the lines. Methods Our bench test study included seven circuits using SmartSite or CARESITE valves exposed to two environmental temperatures. Passive circuits consisted of a 96‐hour contact system using SwabCap without other interventions. Active circuits consisted of nine sham injections during a 24‐hour period, with the SwabCap replaced after each injection. The active control circuit used isopropyl alcohol impregnated pads to disinfect valves. Isopropyl alcohol was measured at the extremity of all active circuits by gas chromatography. Results The visual appearance of all SmartSite valves and 67% of the CARESITE valves was changed by SwabCap use. The mean isopropyl alcohol dosages were 52 mmol/L in the SmartSite and 8 mmol/L in the CARESITE at room temperature and 73 and 7 mmol/L, respectively, at 35°C. No alcohol was found in the control circuit. Conclusion The SwabCap altered the valves' appearance and allowed significant amounts of isopropyl alcohol to be injected. It should not be used for neonates without further research.