Frequency and Pattern of Colonization of Intravenous Cannula in an ICU of Public Sector Hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency of colonization of intravenous (IV) cannula by microorganism in patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and to determine the frequency of common organisms involved in colonization of IV-cannula. Methodology: A total of 369 patients of age more than 12 years, and meeting inclusion criteria of the study were included from in medical ICU after taking informed consent. Staff nurse introduced intravenous cannula of appropriate bore after proper disinfection of the insertion site with povidone iodine solution and alcohol. The cannula was removed for culture within 48 hours of insertion if clinical signs i.e. redness and swelling was present. Results: Mean age was 41 (±16.7) years. Male to female ratio was 1.07:1. Presence of colonization in IV-cannula was seen in 31 (8.4%) cases. Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci was the most common microorganism seen in 24 (77.4%) patients. Conclusion: The incidence of IV cannula colonization is low in this study. Bacterial colonization occurs in the indwelling intra vascular cannula despite, adequate precautions. Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci and S. Aureus were the common organisms.