SecurAcath for securing percutaneous catheters

2 Current practice

Current options for catheter securement include adhesive devices (such as StatLock and Grip-Lok), steri-strips, tape and sutures (stitches).

Guidelines produced by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology on the insertion and management of central venous access devices in adults recommend using securing devices such as StatLock in preference to stitches, and discourage the stitching of catheters to the skin. Many NHS organisations have local policies on the type of securement method to be used locally.

The NICE guideline on healthcare-associated infection: prevention and control in primary and community care includes recommendations on vascular access device care which include changing soiled dressings every 24 hours, and all dressings at least every 7 days.