How often should continuous tubing be changed to prevent infection?

Changing continuous tubing every 72 hours is consistent with current guidelines for preventing infections associated with intravenous therapy. This schedule helps reduce the risk of biofilm formation on the tubing, which can harbor pathogens, and minimizes the likelihood of bloodstream infections. Regular changes ensure that any potential contaminants on the tubing surface are removed before they can lead to infection. This interval is a balance between preventing infection and minimizing the frequency of changes, which itself can introduce the risk of infection during the manipulation of the IV site. Regularly replacing tubing as per this guideline supports optimal infection control measures in healthcare settings.