CUROS CAPS, AN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

CUROS CAPS, AN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Curos Caps, an Evidence Based Practice The Denver VA has recently implemented a procedure that replaces the required 15 second process of “scrubbing the hub” with Curos port-protectors that are applied to all unused ports of IV tubing and between venous access. These port-protectors, or Curos caps, were designed by Ivera Medical for luer-lock needleless valves. Inside the cap is a 70% isopropyl alcohol saturated sponge that disinfects the valve for three minutes after application and serves as a protective barrier against contaminants for a maximum of seven days if not removed (Ivera Medical, 2013). Since 2011, when the innovative port-protectors were implemented at the Denver VA, no catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) have occurred (J. Wagner, personal communication, May 28, 2013). Support Curos caps are supported by many hospitals because of their convenience. Nurses can walk into a patient’s room and immediately know whether Curos caps are being used because there will be a bright green cap on every unused port of IV tubing, including central ports. An article written by Ivera Medical said, “disinfection compliance with Curos can be easily monitored and therefore is high (greater than 85 percent on average)”