Haemostatic discs demonstrate physical efficacy against microbes commonly associated with central line associated bloodstream infections.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access devices form an essential component in the management of acute and chronic medical conditions. Introduction and ongoing management of these devices are linked with bundles of care aimed at reducing associated risks including bleeding and infection.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the potassium ferrate haemostatic disc on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and on Candida albicans.

METHODS: The impact of the potassium ferrate disc was compared to the often-used chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) impregnated disc to evaluate the potential efficacy of the potassium ferrate disc as an alternative to CHG in cases with an increased risk of active bleeding.

RESULTS: In the presence of anticoagulated blood, we observed an inhibitory effect of the haemostatic disc on microbial growth for microbial strains commonly associated with vascular access device related infections.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the potassium ferrate disc may provide dual clinical benefits with both haemostatic and antimicrobial action observed during in vitro testing.