From Disruption to Prevention: A Clinical Summary of the Gaskill & LeDonne Webinar on Dressing Integrity and CLABSI Risk

Earlier this year, Eloquest Healthcare sponsored the educational webinar From Disruption to Prevention: Improving Dressing Integrity and Reducing CLABSI Risk, featuring Kristi Gaskill, MSN, RN, CIC, and Jack LeDonne, MD, VA-BC. This evidence-based session focused on the relationship between dressing integrity, catheter-associated bloodstream infections, and opportunities to standardize practice across the vascular access lifecycle.

Below is a summary of the key concepts presented, along with references to the supporting literature discussed during the program. To explore these strategies in greater detail, we encourage you to view the full webinar on demand.

Gaskill and LeDonne emphasized that dressing disruption is more than a cosmetic or procedural issue—it represents a serious breach in the protective barrier against microbial contamination. Disrupted dressings have been associated with increased risk of catheter colonization and central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).

In a seminal study, Timsit et al. (2012) identified dressing disruption as an independent risk factor for catheter-related infections, with disrupted dressings increasing the risk of colonization or infection threefold.¹ Yet, despite clear guidance from organizations such as INS and SHEA, data show that dressings are frequently compromised well before the recommended seven-day interval.

Annette Richardson’s observational research assessed dressing durability and found that even the most effective dressings remained intact for an average of only 68 hours, with others failing in under 48 hours.² These findings underscore the need to address the root causes of early dressing failure—particularly skin integrity, bleeding at the insertion site, and inadequate securement.

Gaskill’s own published initiative evaluated central venous access device (CVAD) dressings at her facility and found a baseline average dressing life of only 2.7 days. Following the introduction of a liquid gum mastic adhesive and improved hemostasis measures, dressing adherence increased to an average of 6.5 days.³

The speakers highlighted several clinical recommendations aligned with national and international standards:

• Use of liquid gum mastic adhesive as supported by INS Standards of Practice for patients requiring enhanced dressing adherence.⁴
• Sutureless securement devices to minimize catheter movement, reduce infection risk, and prevent needlestick injuries.⁵
• Optimizing catheter exit site location, particularly the use of ultrasound-guided axillary (subclavian) access, which is supported by the CDC, SHEA, and French Society of Intensive Care guidelines as the preferred site for infection prevention.^1,6,7

In particular, LeDonne emphasized that achieving seven-day dressing integrity starts with proper insertion technique. Providers were encouraged to collaborate with nursing staff when selecting the exit site and to prioritize configurations that allow gravity to support dressing adherence, not oppose it.

A core theme of the presentation was the need to standardize practice across the entire lifecycle of a central venous catheter—including assessment, pre-insertion, insertion, care and maintenance, and removal. According to LeDonne, care and maintenance represents approximately 99% of the line’s life, but is intrinsically tied to how the catheter was inserted.

The speakers framed dressing integrity as a reliable indicator of overall line management quality and a visible sign of a facility’s infection prevention practices. Rather than accepting dressing disruption as inevitable, clinicians should evaluate each case as a deviation from optimal care and ask: Why did this dressing fail—and how can we prevent it from happening again?

For a deeper exploration of these strategies—including video demonstrations and discussion of vascular access decision-making—view the full From Disruption to Prevention webinar here.

Eloquest Healthcare is committed to providing solutions that help improve vascular access dressing securement and decrease complications while reducing unnecessary costs. Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive is designed to enhance dressing adherence and minimize the risk of infection.

For more information about Mastisol®, please call 1‐877‐433‐7626 or complete this form.