How to Use Steripath for Peripheral IV Starts-How to Use Steripath for Peripheral IV Starts

Video Transcription

The SteriPath blood culture collection system reduces false positive blood cultures by diverting  and sequestering the initial 1.5 to 2.0 milliliters of blood, preventing skin contaminants when present from entering blood culture bottles.  The following video tutorial demonstrates proper use of SteriPath used with a peripheral IV start. Collect the necessary supplies, including SteriPath, in the lure configuration.  Perform skin surface antisepsis according to your institution's established guidelines. While skin antisepsis is air drying, prepare bottles for sample collection by placing a  visible mark above the broth corresponding to the amount of blood that will need to be collected if not using pre-marked bottles. Be sure the bottle is level prior to measuring.  Thoroughly disinfect each bottle top with an alcohol prep pad. Scrub for 15 seconds, let air dry, and leave a new pad on top of the bottle.  Open SteriPath, keeping the device on sterile package to prevent contamination. Ensure site is completely dry. Insert IV catheter and secure site.  After connecting SteriPath to IV catheter, squeeze the device with slow and steady pressure to actuate.  Once near the check mark, firmly squeeze SteriPath until it clicks to lock in potential contaminants. The diversion chamber should be full, with only a small air bubble visible.  Using the integrated transfer adapter, inoculate blood culture bottle according to institution guidelines while holding bottle level. Fill each bottle to visible mark.  Sample foam is not considered part of sample volume. Gently agitate bottle several times to prevent clotting. Follow the same procedure for inoculation of second bottle.  Be sure to gently agitate bottle several times to prevent clotting. Inoculate any additional samples for blood work. Pinch clamp and disconnect SteriPath.  Attach needleless connector and flush line according to institution policy. Lastly, dispose of supplies according to institution policy.

Video Summary

The SteriPath blood culture collection system prevents false positive blood cultures by diverting and isolating the first 1.5 to 2.0 milliliters of blood to prevent skin contaminants from entering the blood culture bottles. This video tutorial demonstrates the proper use of SteriPath with a peripheral IV start. It shows the steps of preparing the bottles, disinfecting the bottle tops, opening and activating SteriPath, filling the bottles with blood, agitating the bottles to prevent clotting, disconnecting SteriPath, flushing the line, and disposing of the supplies.

Keywords

SteriPath blood culture collection system

false positive blood cultures

diverting and isolating

skin contaminants

peripheral IV start