Between catheter access events, the device remains in place to allow repeated use without additional punctures. While significant attention is often given to preparation before access, the time between uses is equally critical, particularly at the catheter connection points.
During this interval, the goal is to maintain a clean, secure, and functional access system. This includes keeping the site clean and dry, monitoring for signs of infection or displacement, and maintaining catheter patency through appropriate flushing protocols. One of the most important and often overlooked areas is the catheter access interface, which remains a potential entry point for contamination between uses.
Typical Interval Care
For dialysis catheters, care teams routinely assess blood flow and blood return, while also monitoring for redness, swelling, pain, drainage, fever, or any change in catheter position. These catheters may remain in place for extended periods, particularly when used as a bridge while a fistula or graft matures.
In addition to site care and flushing, protecting the catheter’s luer connections between access events is essential. Each access introduces a risk of microbial contamination, and that risk persists even when the catheter is not actively in use.
Maintaining consistent disinfection of these connection points becomes critical. While traditional “scrub the hub” practices rely on manual technique at the time of access, disinfection caps such as DualCap are designed to disinfect the luer connection points, including male luer connectors, between uses through continuous passive disinfection. This helps support a more consistent level of protection during idle periods.
What Happens at the Next Access
At the next access event, the catheter is prepared and connected to dialysis tubing. This process has traditionally depended on manual disinfection prior to connection. When a disinfection cap has been in place, the connection point has been continuously protected, helping reduce variability associated with manual scrubbing practices.
If there are any signs of occlusion, infection, or catheter migration, the care team may troubleshoot, replace, or remove the catheter as clinically indicated.
Why the Time Between Access Matters
In high-frequency access environments such as dialysis, infection risk is not limited to the moment of connection. The intervals between uses represent repeated opportunities for contamination if connection points are left unprotected.
Expanding the focus beyond access preparation to include the time between uses supports a more comprehensive approach to infection prevention. By maintaining consistently disinfected luer connections, healthcare teams can better support patient safety while reducing reliance on perfect technique at every access point.
Explore our infection prevention DualCap, designed to meet the needs of both medical professionals and patients. Discover our full range of vascular access solutions and see why our products stand out as a reliable choice. Contact us today for more information or to request a custom quotation.
Health Line International Corp. is not responsible for any errors, omissions, injury, loss, or damage arising from or relating to the use (or misuse) of any information, statements, or conclusions contained in or implied by the contents of this document or any of the source materials. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
References
Nickel, B. et al., (2024, January/ February) Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 9th edition. Journal of Infusion Nursing. https://www.ins1.org/publications/infusion-therapy-standards-of-practice/
Radiologyinfo.org (2024, August 16) Vascular Access Procedures. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/vasc_access
Sontoro, D. et al., (2014, July 8) Vascular access for hemodialysis: current perspectives. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4099194/
Kolikof, J. et al., (2025, February 4) Central Venous Catheter Insertion. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557798/