More Information
- Preparation:
– Prepare site according to facilitys policy and procedure
– Prior to venipuncture, hold catheter hub and rotate barrel 360º
– Make sure catheter is seated back in the notch - Venipuncture:
– Approach vein slowly at a low angle
– Observe initial flashback along the catheter - Advancement:
– Upon flashback visualization, lower catheter almost parallel to the skin
– Advance entire unit slightly before threading catheter
– Thread catheter into vein, while maintaining skin traction - Needle removal:
Before Pressing the Button
– Release venous pressure
– Apply digital pressure beyond the catheter tip
– Gently stabilize the catheter hub
– Press the white button - Securement:
– Secure catheter and apply sterile dressing according to facilitys policy and procedure - Caution reminders:
– Do not withdraw needle from catheter hub before pressing the white button
– Needle should be retracted prior to disposal in a puncture resistany, leak proof sharps container
– Never reinsert needle into the catheter as this could shear the catheter
– Do not use scissors at or near the insertion site - Insertion success:
– Make sure tip seal is released before insertion, by rotating the barrel 360 degrees
– Make sure catheter is seated back in the notch
– Slow down the speed of insertion
– Use less force to penetrate the skin
– Lower the initial insertion angle, keeping the elbow low
– After flash, lower the angle and advance slightly to ensure the catheter tip is within the vessel - Seeing the flash:
– Trust the instinct and take a pause
– Look for initial flash along the catheter and then in the flash chamber (20, 22, and 24 gauge); in larger gauge sizes observe initial flash behind the white button
– Be aware of patient factors such as small veins, small patient, low blood pressure, condition of vein, dehydration, etc., that may slow down flash - Threading with ease:
– After flash, lower the angle and advance slightly, before threading catheter off the needle
– Avoid the push-pull technique when advancing
– Maintain traction on the skin - Retracting the needle:
– Make sure tip seal is released before insertion, by rotating the barrel 360 degrees
– Make sure to place digital pressure beyond the tip of the catheter
– Make sure needle is not being inadvertently bent while attempting to activate the button - Minimizing the blood:
– Release tourniquet before pressing the button
– Place digital pressure beyond the catheter tip
– Have IV connector or tubing close by and ready - Avoid early activation:
– Be aware of where the fingers are
– Remove needle cover in a straight, outward motion
