Waste reduction during haemodialysis access procedures

In a renal service caring for approximately 40 patients dependent on central venous lines for haemodialysis access, the technique to access central lines was changed from using large aseptic fields and sterile gloves to using micro-critical aseptic fields and standard gloves with aseptic non-touch technique.

This change in technique reduced the number of single-use plastic items going to landfill by 96,000 per year. The cost fell by 62% from AU$7.58 to AU$2.92 for each dialysis treatment, saving AU$28,000 per year, with no increase in line-associated bloodstream infection rates.