Scrub the hub

Scrub the hub was introduced in the Unites States as a low-cost intervention to reduce central line-associated blood stream infections.

Each year 250,000 central line-associated blood stream infections occur in hospitals in the United States. Like all other health care-associated infections, central line-associated blood stream infections can lead to increased length and cost of hospital stay as well as increased risk for morbidity and mortality of patients. These negative impacts are worsened when the infection results from a multi-drug resistant bacteria.

“Scrub the hub” focuses on the preparation of the needleless adaptor. Studies found that using 70% alcohol solution or 2% chlorhexidine solution to clean the connector with friction for at least 15 seconds greatly reduced the occurrence of bacterial bloodstream infections.

5 steps for “Scrubbing the hub”:

• Perform hand hygiene
• Dont clean gloves prior to touching the line
• Using alcohol and friction, scrub the needleless connector for 30-seconds in a twisting motion
• Infuse medication or draw the blood and label as per the policy
• Discard gloves and perform hand hygiene again

Genesis Health System created a fun video titled “Scrub the Hub Remix”. The video demonstrates the “Scrub the Hub” technique, explains its benefits and aims to motivate employees to use the method in their everyday work. The creation of the video itself is an excellent example of using creativity to engage others to help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Their catchy-video can be seen here:

Selected Resources