Highlights: Compare effectiveness of chemical disinfectants in reducing S. aureus. Five disinfectants reduced the bacterial load, especially chlorhexidine solutions. Focus on Brazilian clinical practice of needleless connector disinfection.
Purpose: This study aimed to gain further knowledge about the comparative effectiveness of chemical disinfectants in reducing the bacterial load of NCs inoculated with S. aureus.
Methods: Disinfection of needleless connectors was undertaken in vitro against S. aureus comparing 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA), 70% ethanol, 0.5% and 2% chlorhexidine in 70% IPA applied with gauze, and 70% IPA single-use cap (Site-Scrub®).
Results: All disinfectants reduced the bacterial load (P<0.001), especially the chlorhexidine solutions. Mechanical friction should follow guidelines.
Conclusion: This study found that all tested disinfectants effectively reduced the bacterial load and more clinical studies must be developed with a focus on the Brazilian clinical practice of needleless connector disinfection.
Keywords: Catheter-related bloodstream infection; Disinfection; Needleless connector; Staphylococcus aureus; Vascular access device.