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kratz
Curos cap vs. swab cap

Has anyone heard of or have any experience with the Curos cap from Iveramed? It looks alot like the Swab Cap.

lynncrni
Yes, I have heard of both.

Yes, I have heard of both. Let me say that I am a consultant to Excelsior Medical, the manufacture of SwabCap as my disclosure. Both are rigid plastic caps that contain a sponge saturated with 70% isopropol alcohol. Both are intended to be used as protection caps between uses of the needleless connector. Both fit onto all luer-locking needleless connectors. Neither will fit onto the Interlink as it is a larger connection surface. Swabcap states it is effective within 5 minutes. Curos states it is effective within 5 to 15 minutes. Swabcap will remain wet and does not allow the alcohol to dry out easily or fast. Curos does allow the alcohol to dry. This is due to the differences in the cap design. There are no clinical studies yet on either product, however there are many facilities beginning to use both of them and reporting a good anecdotal result. I am expecting outcomes studies to be published sometime this year, but that does take time. Lynn

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

valoriedunn
Lynn, Once the swab cap or

Lynn,

Once the swab cap or Curos has been removed and the line flushed, do you then need to scrub the hub with an alcohol prep before attaching antibiotic or heparin flush to lock?  I had a discussion with our infection control nurse who states that you can access the needless connector as many times as needed and NOT use alcohol wipe between as the swab cap/curos left the connector "clean as long as you don't touch the end.  Any input is much apprerciated. Valorie

 

Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC

lynncrni
I am not sure what is being

I am not sure what is being taught by Curos for their product, but I know that Excelsior teaches that initially when the SwabCap is removed, it is clean and can be used without further cleaning. However, they also teach that subsequent connections do require cleaning with an alcohol pad. Think about it. This saline syringe is attached and flushed. There could be blood tinged fluid left on the outside of the needleless connector. Then you connect the intermittent IV set and it is laying in the bed for 30 to 60 minutes coming in contact with all the germs there. The 2nd saline flush again could leave blood tinged fluid on the outside. Until we have more solid answers about needleless connectors, I believe it is important to clean with a new alcohol pad before each connection after the protective cap is removed. I don't think your infection control nurse has a good appreciation of what is likely to happen with these connectors during use. Lynn

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

valoriedunn
Thanks Lynn, Those were my

Thanks Lynn,

Those were my thoughts as well.  Just needed some reinforcement so to speak.  I have taught the Home Health and Hospice nurses to clean with a new alcohol wipe between each each connectiion.  I would rather erre on the side of caution:) Valorie

Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC

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