Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Impact of Disinfectant Caps on Nosocomial CLABSI

This study explores how using special disinfectant caps on central venous catheters can help prevent serious bloodstream infections in hospital patients. These infections, known as CLABSIs, are a major concern, as they can make people sicker, extend hospital stays, and increase health risks. The caps are designed to stop germs from entering the bloodstream through the catheter. While not a typical study, the plan is to introduce these caps as a new standard in a neurological intensive care unit to see if they improve patient safety. Researchers will look at routine patient information to understand the impact of these caps on infection rates.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections

What is this study about?

When people are very ill in hospital, doctors sometimes need to put a thin tube, called a central venous catheter, into a large vein. This tube helps to give medicines, fluids, or nutrition. However, a big worry with these tubes is that germs can travel along them and into the bloodstream, causing a serious infection. These infections are known as Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) and can make patients much sicker, leading to longer recovery times and more serious health problems.

To try and prevent these dangerous infections, medical staff can use special caps on the ends of these tubes. These caps contain a cleaning fluid (like rubbing alcohol) that kills germs. The idea is that by keeping the entry point of the tube clean, fewer germs will get into the bloodstream. Across the world, these types of infections are a big problem, affecting many patients and causing significant health and financial costs.

This project isn't a traditional 'trial' where new medicines are tested. Instead, it's about introducing these disinfectant caps as a new, regular safety measure in a neurological intensive care unit. The team will then look at existing patient information to understand if using these caps helps reduce the number of bloodstream infections. It's an important step in making hospital care even safer for patients.

Key takeaways

This project aims to reduce serious bloodstream infections in hospital.
It uses special disinfectant caps on tubes (catheters) in large veins.
The caps help prevent germs from entering the bloodstream.
It's a quality improvement step, not a traditional drug trial.
Patient health records will be reviewed to check the caps' effectiveness.
The goal is to make hospital care safer for patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this project, a patient needs to be staying in the neurological intensive care unit and have a central venous catheter. It's important that either the patient themselves (if they can make their own decisions) or their legal representative (if they can't) agrees in writing for their routine health information to be used for this quality check and research.

Patients would not be included if they, or their legal representative, specifically object in writing to their routine health data being used for these quality or research purposes. There are no age limits for joining this project, and it includes both male and female patients.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a patient in the neurological intensive care unit?
Do you have a central venous catheter?
Are you (or your legal representative) willing to let routine health data be used?
Have you NOT objected to your routine data being used for this? (For those who cannot consent, a legal representative must agree)
Are you of any age? (There are no age restrictions.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this is an assessment of a new hospital safety standard rather than a traditional study, patients won't have any extra appointments, tests, or medication. The disinfectant caps will simply be used as part of their routine care if they have a central venous catheter in the neurological intensive care unit. The researchers will then look at routine patient health records that are already collected during their hospital stay. There is no specific duration for an individual's 'participation,' as the focus is on the overall impact of the caps on the unit.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of using these disinfectant caps is a reduced risk of serious bloodstream infections, which could lead to better health outcomes and shorter hospital stays for patients. There are no identified additional risks to patients, as the caps are a routine medical device and their use is part of improving standard care. Patients, or their legal representatives, have the right to object to their routine health data being used for this project at any time, without affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

Institute for Neurehabilitative Resaerch
Verified postcode
Hessisch Oldendorf, Germany

Common questions

What is a central venous catheter?

It's a thin tube placed in a large vein, often in the neck or chest, to give medicines or fluids to very ill patients.

What are bloodstream infections?

These are serious infections that happen when germs get into a person's bloodstream, which can make them very unwell.

What are disinfectant caps?

These are special caps for central venous catheters that contain a cleaning liquid to help kill germs and prevent infection.

Will I have more tests if I'm included?

No, there are no extra tests or appointments. The caps are used as part of regular care, and researchers will use existing medical records.

Can I choose not to have my information used?

Yes, you or your legal representative can object to your routine health data being used for this project at any time.