How to Use Steripath with Integrated Syringe for Peripheral IV Starts-How to Use Steripath® with Integrated Syringe 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 with integrated syringe used for 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, 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 packaging to prevent contamination. Open blood transfer device, keeping the device on sterile packaging. 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.  Pull back on syringe plunger to collect blood culture sample following standard procedure. After collecting blood culture sample, pinch clamp to occlude tubing.  Disconnect SteriPath with syringe attached. Place device on sterile packaging. Be sure not to push syringe plunger.  If required, attach syringe to collect additional specimens for blood work. If additional specimens are not required, immediately attach needleless connector and  flush line per institution policy. Lastly, dispose of supplies according to institution policy. Using aseptic technique, disconnect syringe from SteriPath.  Carefully attach blood transfer device to avoid touchpoint contamination. Transfer blood from syringe to the bottle using bottles vacuum. Do not depress plunger of syringe.  Fill the culture bottle according to institution policy. Gently agitate the bottle several times to prevent clotting. Follow the same procedure for inoculation of second bottle.  Be sure not to introduce air into anaerobic bottle. Gently agitate the bottle several times to prevent clotting. Dispose of supplies according to institution policy.

Video Summary

The video tutorial demonstrates the proper use of the SteriPath blood culture collection system with an integrated syringe for a peripheral IV start. The system helps reduce false positive blood cultures by diverting and sequestering the initial blood sample, preventing skin contaminants from entering the culture bottles. The tutorial explains the step-by-step process, including skin antisepsis, disinfecting the bottle tops, inserting the IV catheter, connecting SteriPath, collecting the blood sample, disconnecting and disposing of supplies, and inoculating the culture bottles. Following aseptic technique is emphasized throughout the procedure.

Keywords

SteriPath blood culture collection system

false positive blood cultures

IV catheter insertion

blood sample collection

aseptic technique