A patient requiring a PIVC is assessed to identify the most suitable insertion site and PIVC (length and gauge) to meet their clinical needs and preferences for its location.
To ensure that an appropriate PIVC is selected and inserted in a suitable site that minimises the risk of failure and other PIVC-related complications, taking into account the patient’s clinical condition and preferences for the location of the PIVC.
Your clinician will assess you to see where your PIVC should be placed, considering:
If possible, your PIVC will be placed in the arm that you use the least and locations where problems are more likely to develop will be avoided.
Identify a suitable insertion site by taking into account the potential risk of infection, mechanical complications and patient comfort, preferably using veins in the non-dominant arm. Ask the patient if they have a preference for the location of the PIVC, and follow their preference if this would allow safe administration of therapy. When choosing an appropriate site, consider for each patient:
Use a site that is likely to last the duration of the prescribed therapy to maximise dwell time and patient comfort. This means choosing a site that will promote self-care, prevent accidental removal or blockage, and facilitate the safe administration of therapy. Avoid areas of flexion unless clinically necessary; re-site cubital fossa IVs as soon as appropriate. Do not use veins in the lower extremities unless this is necessary; for example, because of a risk of tissue damage and local site complications in the upper extremities.
Choose the right peripheral device (length and gauge) by considering the type of therapy the patient needs, including whether the PIVC is to be used to administer contrast media for diagnostic purposes, and the duration of treatment. Use devices with safety-engineered protective features to reduce the risk of injury involving a sharp.
Ensure that policies describe the criteria for selection of PIVC insertion sites and types of devices.
Ensure that clinicians involved in choosing insertion sites are adequately trained, and know how to select the most appropriate PIVC and insertion site for the patient’s intended therapy. This includes knowing the:
Ensure devices with safety-engineered protective features are available at the point of care to reduce the risk of injury involving a sharp. Examples include devices such as needles with guards, sliding sheaths, shields, blunted tips or retracting needles.
Your clinician will assess you to see where your PIVC should be placed, considering:
If possible, your PIVC will be placed in the arm that you use the least and locations where problems are more likely to develop will be avoided.
Identify a suitable insertion site by taking into account the potential risk of infection, mechanical complications and patient comfort, preferably using veins in the non-dominant arm. Ask the patient if they have a preference for the location of the PIVC, and follow their preference if this would allow safe administration of therapy. When choosing an appropriate site, consider for each patient:
Use a site that is likely to last the duration of the prescribed therapy to maximise dwell time and patient comfort. This means choosing a site that will promote self-care, prevent accidental removal or blockage, and facilitate the safe administration of therapy. Avoid areas of flexion unless clinically necessary; re-site cubital fossa IVs as soon as appropriate. Do not use veins in the lower extremities unless this is necessary; for example, because of a risk of tissue damage and local site complications in the upper extremities.
Choose the right peripheral device (length and gauge) by considering the type of therapy the patient needs, including whether the PIVC is to be used to administer contrast media for diagnostic purposes, and the duration of treatment. Use devices with safety-engineered protective features to reduce the risk of injury involving a sharp.
Ensure that policies describe the criteria for selection of PIVC insertion sites and types of devices.
Ensure that clinicians involved in choosing insertion sites are adequately trained, and know how to select the most appropriate PIVC and insertion site for the patient’s intended therapy. This includes knowing the:
Ensure devices with safety-engineered protective features are available at the point of care to reduce the risk of injury involving a sharp. Examples include devices such as needles with guards, sliding sheaths, shields, blunted tips or retracting needles.
Read quality statement 5 - Maximise first insertion success