What is a best practice to prevent infection when inserting an arterial line?

• A. Use sterile technique with full barrier precautions; chlorhexidine skin prep; sterile dressing
• B. Reuse equipment until failure
• C. Clean with soap and water only
• D. Use dry sterile gauze only

Answer: (A)

Preventing infection hinges on maintaining a sterile field and using effective skin antisepsis during arterial line insertion. Using sterile technique with full barrier precautions means the clinician wears sterile gloves, cap, mask, gown, and uses a sterile drape to keep the insertion area free of microbes. Pairing that with chlorhexidine skin preparation provides strong, persistent antisepsis of the insertion site, and allowing it to dry ensures maximum effectiveness. Applying a sterile dressing afterward maintains a barrier and protects the site from contamination. Together, these steps minimize the chance that microbes enter the bloodstream through the catheter.

Other approaches fall short: reusing equipment increases contamination risk; cleaning with soap and water only does not provide adequate antisepsis for invasive access; using dry sterile gauze alone lacks antiseptic protection and a barrier.