Re: What is an ‘Intermittent Infusion’?=

[Michael Wishart]

[Posted on behalf of member – Moderator]

Hi Pauline

My interpretation would be:

A: Continuous – there is continuous flow through the line.

B: Continuous – there is continuous flow through the line.

C: Intermittent – no continuous flow.

Melanie
Melanie Keen
Clinical Nurse/Infection Control
Country Health SA, Mannum Hosp

—–Original Message—–

What is an Intermittent Infusion?

We have recently been reviewing the literature on CVADS and found that there appears to be much confusion regarding the definition of intermittent infusions, and subsequently there are many different interpretations amongst staff.

Currently we recommend that intermittent infusion lines should be changed every 24 hours.

One reason provided for this is:
All intermittent infusions, when not infusing, are a stagnant column of fluid that increases the risk of infection if inadvertent contamination occurs.

Although intermittent infusion is not defined, it is documented to include:
when a patient is disconnected from a continuous infusion, eg when disconnecting an infusion for showering. (Although we wont be recommending this)

The following are some common scenarios that I have been questioned about. I would be interested to know the opinion of other Infection Prevention Consultants.

A) A line that is frequently accessed but remains connected to the patient at all times and running. Eg a burette with a KVO rate in-between drug infusions.
Intermittent or Continuous?

B) An administration line with an add-a-line that is connected and being re-used. IVABs are given through the re-used add-a-line, bags frequently changed. Fluid running continuously via the primary line.
Intermittent or Continuous?

C) An administration line that remains connected to a patient but is stopped and re-started later. No disconnection/re-connection occurring. Fluid left stagnant for a period of time.
Intermittent or Continuous?

Regards

Pauline

Pauline Bass
Infection Prevention Nurse Consultant
Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology
Alfred Health
p.bass@alfred.org.au

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Michael Wishart
Infection Control Coordinator
St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside & St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane
Brisbane, QLD
michael.wishart@svha.org.au

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