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The 1996 CDC guideline for prevention of intravascular device-related infections recommended that intravenous (IV) tubing be replaced routinely within 72 hours after insertion or within 24 hours if blood products or lipid emulsions are infused. Investigators from the University of Texas conducted a prospective study to compare levels of infusion-related contamination associated with changing IV administration sets (IVAS) at different intervals. Cancer patients who required IV infusion therapy were randomized to have their IVAS changed within either the recommended 72 hours or 4 to 7 days after placement.
Bacterial colonization of the IVAS was more common in the group with delayed IVAS changes. In an analysis controlling for infusions of bloo…