Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Comparing Chlorhexidine and Ethanol ahead of cannulation for haemodialysis - A randomized crossover trial

This research study is looking at the best way to clean your skin before you have a needle put in for haemodialysis. There are two main skin cleaners used: chlorhexidine and ethanol. This study wants to find out if one of these cleaners is better than the other for people who have haemodialysis. Patients taking part will try both types of skin cleaner at different times during their treatment. This is to make sure we can fairly compare them. The study is for adults over 18 and includes both men and women. It's a type of study that looks at treatments that are already in use, to understand them better and improve care.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Region Oestergoetland

Enrolment target

Start

16 Aug 2023

Hemodialys

What is this study about?

This study is about making sure your skin is as clean as possible before a needle is put in for haemodialysis. Haemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a machine cleans your blood. To do this, a special needle is placed into a vein, usually in your arm. Before the needle goes in, your skin is cleaned to prevent infections.

Doctors and nurses commonly use two different types of cleaning solutions for this: one called chlorhexidine and another called ethanol. Both are good at killing germs on the skin. This study wants to compare these two cleaners to see if one is more effective or causes fewer problems for people having haemodialysis. By understanding which cleaner works best, we can help reduce the risk of infection and make the process safer for patients.

This is important because preventing infections is a big part of staying healthy, especially when you are having ongoing medical treatments like haemodialysis. The study is designed to be fair, meaning patients will use both types of cleaners at different times, so we can get a clear picture of how each one performs.

Key takeaways

This study compares two common skin cleaners (chlorhexidine and ethanol) for haemodialysis.
It aims to find out which cleaner is better at preventing infections.
You will receive both types of cleaners at different times during your regular dialysis sessions.
It's for adults (18+) who are already having haemodialysis.
Participation will not add extra clinic visits or change your core dialysis treatment.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are 18 years old or older. Both men and women can take part.

It's specifically for people who are already having haemodialysis treatment. The study team will check other health details to make sure it's safe for you to join.

If you are currently undergoing haemodialysis treatment and are an adult, you might be able to participate. The medical team will discuss all the details with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently receiving haemodialysis treatment?
Are you able to understand and agree to participate in the study?
Are you comfortable having different skin cleaners used before your dialysis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to visit extra clinics. The study will happen during your regular haemodialysis sessions. During some of your sessions, the nurses will clean your skin with one type of cleaner (chlorhexidine) before inserting the needle. During other sessions, they will use the other type of cleaner (ethanol).

Because it's a 'crossover' study, you will try both cleaners at different times. The medical team will keep track of how your skin reacts and whether there are any issues with infections. The total length of your participation will depend on the study's plan for how many times each cleaner needs to be used, but it will be integrated into your usual treatment schedule without adding extra time away from home.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help improve the way skin is cleaned before haemodialysis for you and future patients, potentially lowering the risk of infection. Both skin cleaners used are already standard in healthcare, so researchers don’t expect any new or unknown risks. However, sometimes skin can react to these cleaners, causing mild irritation or redness, which your care team will monitor closely. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Sweden

Common questions

What is haemodialysis?

Haemodialysis is a medical treatment that cleans your blood when your kidneys are not working properly. It involves a machine that filters waste products and extra fluid from your blood.

What are chlorhexidine and ethanol?

These are both liquids used to clean and kill germs on the skin, often before medical procedures like having a needle inserted. They are common antiseptic solutions.

Will I know which cleaner is being used on me?

Yes, your care team will inform you about the study and what to expect. While you might not know which cleaner is being used at each specific session, you will get both over time.

Will this study change my regular dialysis treatment?

No, your regular dialysis treatment will continue as normal. The only change will be which skin cleaner is used before the needle is inserted for your treatment.

How long will I be in the study if I participate?

The study will run as part of your normal haemodialysis schedule, meaning there won't be extra visits. The exact duration will be explained by the study team, as you will use both cleaners over a period of time.