Adhesive Advantage: How the STICKY Trial Highlights Medical Liquid Adhesive’s Role in Microbial Control

When it comes to preventing hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB), even the smallest breach in a catheter dressing can serve as an entry point for pathogenic microorganisms. Every year, patients and hospitals pay a steep price for infections caused by compromised dressings, leading to extended ICU stays, costly treatments, and, most critically, lives put at risk. But what if the solution to this billion-dollar problem isn’t a complex overhaul or costly technology, but a simple, powerful adhesive? That is what STICKY trial researchers set out to investigate.

In a recent interview, AVATAR researchers Nicole Marsh, RN, PhD, and Amanda Corley, RN, PhD describe the findings of the groundbreaking, randomized controlled study. “Our study demonstrated that there was less detachment from the skin of the dressing secured with Mastisol® (less lifting at the edges) therefore there was less need to change the dressing. Hence, the insertion wound remains continually protected from contamination. Intact dressings which are firmly adhered to the skin also reduce the likelihood of central venous catheter (CVC) dislodgement.”

Marsh and Corley explain, “we conducted a microbiological sub-study as part of the main trial which showed a decrease in microbial colonization at the CVC insertion for patients in the intervention arm. Although this work was underpowered to detect any significant differences, the findings were clinically interesting, and we recommend further investigation to establish if Mastisol is a useful infection prevention strategy for CVC maintenance.”

Unlike standard adhesives, Mastisol is specifically formulated to create a strong, long-lasting bond between the dressing and the skin. Investigators believe this barrier—and possibly the properties of gum mastic, the major ingredient in Mastisol—reduced bacterial colonization at the catheter site.

Learn more about the study findings or request a trial to evaluate Mastisol. Let’s work together to reduce infection risk—one secure dressing at a time.