Guidance

1 Recommendations

1 Recommendations

1.1

Curos disinfecting cap shows promise for preventing infections when using needleless connectors, but there is currently insufficient evidence to support the case for routine adoption in the NHS.

1.2

Research is therefore recommended to address uncertainties about the clinical benefits of using Curos. This research should:

  • determine if Curos adds value to the standard bundle of care for preventing infections when using needleless connectors

  • explore the use of Curos in people at high risk of infection, including those whose condition is managed in the community

  • clearly define the patient groups included and use consistent outcomes.

    NICE will facilitate this research, in collaboration with the company, clinical and academic partners, and will update this guidance if or when substantive new evidence becomes available.

Why the committee made these recommendations

Curos is a disinfecting cap which, when placed on the needleless connector at the end of a vascular access line, is intended to reduce the risk of infection. Curos can stay in place for up to 7 days but must be replaced each time the line is used.

Evidence for the clinical effectiveness of Curos is limited. The studies include a wide range of people in different clinical situations and use different definitions of bloodstream infection. It is not clear if Curos would provide any additional benefit to the standard bundle of care for preventing infections. There is also no evidence for its effectiveness in community settings and any cost benefits are uncertain.

Despite these uncertainties, Curos shows promise for preventing infections when using needleless connectors, especially in people at high risk of infection. Because of this, further research on Curos is recommended.