BioPatch vs. Tegaderm CHG in Reducing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections

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BioPatch, and alternatives like Tegaderm CHG, are an important first step in helping prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CBIs). As CBIs rank among the most frequent and potentially lethal nosocomial infections, the need for a device to cut down infections at the insertion site has increased. The growing numbers of infections has driven companies to consider a three-tiered approach: a maximal aseptic barrier at insertion, proper site maintenance, and hub protection. With BioPatch and alternative products catheter sites receive that maximal aseptic barrier to prevent bacteria growth.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
According to an article by Timsit, J., et al. an estimated 5 million central venous catheters are inserted in patients each year. CBIs, most of which are associated with central venous catheters, account for more than 11% of all health-care associated infections. Additionally, more than 250,000 central-line associated blood stream infections also occur annually, with an estimated mortality rate of 12-25%. For patients within the intensive care unit, the numbers were even higher. Each episode significantly increases the patient’s hospital stay, as well as increasing costs from $4,000 to $56,000 per episode.

CBIs occur when intravascular devices become contaminated on the outer surface during nonaseptic insertion or with improper maintenance of the catheter exit site. CBIs are commonly associated with sepsis, fever, chills and hypotension. Skin flora at the insertion site is the most common source of catheter colonization.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate
The use of Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), a well-known antiseptic agent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity, to disinfect the ...

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...s with sensitive skin disorders.

According to manufacturer-funded evidence, Tegaderm CHG is extremely effective at reducing the skin flora regrowth, or biofilm, that builds up underneath catheter dressings. Additionally, biofilm is a major source of CRBSI’s within the first week of build-up; biofilm is also a major source of tunnel exit site infections in long-term catheters. Again, according to manufacturer-funded studies Tegaderm has been proven extremely effective at reducing the biofilm build-up.

A final distinction between BioPatch and Tegaderm CHG is in design. Tegaderm CHG is built with a clear CHG-gelpad which is secured to the patient with special adhesive. Because Tegaderm CHG is clear, while BioPatch is built with a CHG-infused sponge, this makes it easier for hospital faculty to be able to check the dressings need to be replaced due to any build-up.

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