For how long should each hub be scrubbed as part of CVC care?

The correct duration for scrubbing each hub as part of central venous catheter (CVC) care is 15 seconds. This practice is critical for reducing the risk of bloodstream infections associated with catheter use.

The 15-second scrubbing time allows for sufficient antimicrobial action, ensuring that any potential pathogens on the surface are adequately removed. This duration strikes a balance between being long enough to be effective while not being excessively long, which could lead to increased discomfort or complications in patients.

Maintaining scrubbing protocols for this length of time is part of a larger set of best practices aimed at ensuring the sterility of access points on the catheter, enhancing patient safety, and improving overall care outcomes in dialysis and other procedures involving CVCs.