Protect PIVCs: An adaptive randomized controlled trial of a novel antimicrobial dressing for peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). The ProP trial 

PIVCs are the most commonly used vascular access device with the majority of hospitalised patients receiving at least one each hospital admission. 

Traditionally, a transparent dressing alone has been considered adequate to safely secure a PIVC, with no consideration of other technologies to minimise risk of local tissue and systemic infections. However, many PIVCs develop phlebitis, including early signs of reddened, painful insertion sites and later signs of purulence and cellulitis, which may then lead to bloodstream infection (BSI), or BSIs may occur with no obvious signs or symptoms at the site. 

PIVCs are often overlooked when targeting interventions to reduce hospital-acquired infections. However, with nearly 2 billion purchased globally each year, there is significant patient morbidity and economic cost associated with PIVC-related infection. 

The newly available 3M™ Tegaderm™ Antimicrobial I.V. Advanced Securement dressing consists of a transparent semipermeable film window, with 2% CHG formulated into the dressing adhesive, surrounded by a cloth border with additional securement strips. As skin flora is the most common cause of PIVC-related infection, a dressing with the ability to suppress this is attractive as an infection prevention strategy. 

The ProP Trial will be conducted at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), The Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH), Brisbane, Australia and at the University Hospital of Poitiers (PUH), France.

Contact: Prof Claire Rickard c.rickard@uq.edu.au

Funding: 3M Healthcare (investigator initiated grant)