A 5-second scrub with a 70% isopropyl alcohol pledget yields adequate disinfection of a split-septum intravascular catheter connector valve under clinical and laboratory conditions.

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Basins, commonly used to bathe patients who are unable to bathe themselves, frequently become contaminated with potential pathogens and may serve as a source for nosocomial transmission. Chlorhexidine (CHG) has bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens and is increasingly used in antiseptic patient baths. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether basins used to administer CHG bed baths are likely to become contaminated.Bed bath conditions were simulated by mixing 30 mL of a 4% CHG product or soap preparation to 1 L of warm (37°C) tap water in a 6-L plastic basin (Medical Action Industries). Two commercial brands of CHG (Hibiclens, Molnlycke Health Care [hereafter, CHG-A], or Scrub Care, Cardinal Health [hereafter, CHG-B]) and 1 brand of soap (SensiCare SeptiSoft, ConvaTec) were used. Basins were inoculated with 108 colony-forming units (CFUs) of 1 species of bacteria, mixed for 30 seconds, incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature, emptied, and allowed to dry for 1 hour. A 100-cm2 area on the bottom of the basin was sampled for 10 seconds in 2 directions with a cotton swab premoistened with normal saline. Swab tips were placed in 2 mL of trypticase soy broth (Difco) and vortex-mixed for 30 seconds, and the solution was quantitatively cultured on sheep blood agar (Remel). Cultures were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and colonies were counted and expressed as CFUs per square centimeter. Tap water with and without a bacterial inoculum served as positive and negative controls, respectively.

Introduction: Transorbital low-velocity penetrating head injuries are uncommon but important. Minor skin wounds may herald intracranial injury with high morbidity and mortality. Case presentation: A fencing coach was pierced by a sabre between his nose and right eye resulting in orbital roof fracture and frontal lobe laceration. With prompt recognition of these injuries under multidisciplinary management, he attained uncomplicated recovery. Conclusion: The emergency physician should maintain a high index of suspicion for intracranial injury in patients presenting with history of penetrating head injury. Understanding orbital anatomy, injury mechanisms and patterns can facilitate timely management to prevent potentially sight-threatening and life-threatening complications.