The Survivability of Bacterial Contaminants on a Retracted Stainless-Steel Needle Within a Novel Vascular Access Device

Michael Anstett; Spencer B. Shumway

doi:10.2309/JAVA-D-24-00020

Article Contents

Highlights
Abstract
Background
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Editorial Type:

Article Category: Research Article

Online Publication Date: 17 Dec 2024

The Survivability of Bacterial Contaminants on a Retracted Stainless-Steel Needle Within a Novel Vascular Access Device

RN and

Page Range: 20 – 25

DOI: 10.2309/JAVA-D-24-00020

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Highlights

Any component of a PIVC interacting with the skin during insertion can be contaminated.
The bacterial population on the needle is significantly reduced within the first 72 hours.
If skin bacteria were to contaminate the needle during insertion, they do not survive.

Abstract

Background:

Over-the-needle (OTN) peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are crucial in modern medicine. However, the OTN design allows for direct catheter-to-skin contact during insertion, leaving the sterile catheter at risk for bacterial contamination from the skin. A novel through-the-needle (TTN) PIVC design aims to minimize this risk by shielding the sterile catheter during insertion with the introducer needle. This needle then permanently retracts into the device housing and remains with the patient. In this study, we evaluate the survivability of bacterial contaminants on the retracted needle to address concerns about potential infection risks associated with this design.

Methods:

Fifteen TTN PIVC devices were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (10¹ to 10² CFU) on the outer surface of the needle. After needle retraction, devices were stored for 0, 24, 72, and 120 hours. At each time point, devices were processed, and bacterial survival was quantified using standard microbiological techniques.

Results:

The initial bacterial load (105.1 ± 51.4 CFU per device) decreased significantly over time. By 72 hours, bacterial count had reduced to 1.4 ± 2.4 CFU per device, representing a 98.7% reduction (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed between 72 and 120 hours. The most substantial decline occurred within the first 72 hours, with the difference between 0 hours and both 72 and 120 hours being statistically significant (P = 0.016 for both).

Conclusions:

The significant reduction in bacterial population on the retracted needle over time suggests a low risk of bacterial propagation within the TTN PIVC device. These findings indicate that the TTN design effectively addresses catheter contamination concerns during insertion without introducing additional infection risks due to needle retention.

Keywords: peripheral intravenous catheter; retractable needle; needle contamination