Disposable gloves to ensure hand hygiene and prevent contamination.
IV Cannula:
IV Cannula: Appropriate-sized IV cannula with a needle for venous access.
Antiseptic Solution:
An antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, for skin preparation and disinfection.
Tourniquet:
A tourniquet to apply pressure above the intended insertion site to enhance vein visibility and control blood flow during cannulation.
Securement Device:
A securement device, such as an adhesive tape or device specifically designed for securing IV lines, to prevent accidental dislodgement.
Sterile Saline:
Sterile saline solution for flushing the cannula to ensure patency and prevent clot formation.
Intravenous Extension Tubing:
Extension tubing with a female luer lock connector for connecting to the IV cannula and administering medications or fluids.
Sterile Saline:
Sterile saline solution for flushing the cannula to ensure patency and prevent clot formation.
Adhesive Dressings:
Adhesive dressings or transparent film dressings to secure the IV cannula in place after insertion.
Transparent Dressing:
Transparent dressing to provide a clear view of the insertion site while securing the cannula.
Syringes:
Sterile syringes of appropriate sizes for flushing the cannula and drawing up medications, if required.
Intravenous Extension Tubing:
Extension tubing with a female luer lock connector for connecting to the IV cannula and administering medications or fluids.
Transparent Dressing:
Transparent dressing to provide a clear view of the insertion site while securing the cannula.
Labeling Materials:
Pre-printed labels or marker pens for accurate labeling of the IV cannula, including the date and time of insertion.
Alcohol Swabs:
Alcohol swabs for cleaning the tops of blood collection tubes before transferring blood samples.
Gauze or Cotton Balls:
Sterile gauze or cotton balls for applying pressure to the puncture site after blood collection to stop any bleeding.
Waste Disposal Bags:
Plastic bags for the proper disposal of used gloves, swabs, and other non-sharp waste.
Hand Hygiene Supplies:
Soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub for performing hand hygiene before putting on gloves and after the procedure.
It is essential to ensure that all equipment is sterile, within its expiration date, and disposed of properly after use. Adhering to infection control practices and having the necessary equipment readily available helps maintain patient safety and minimize the risk of contamination during IV cannulation procedures.
IV Cannula Color Guide:
FirstScrub.com
Color
Max Flow Rate
Uses
14G
240 ml/min
Trauma, surigcal procedures
16G
180 ml/min
Trauma, surigcal procedures
18G
90 ml/min
Trauma, quick blood transfusion
20G
60 ml/min
Normal IV or blood transfusion
22G
36 ml/min
Children, older adults
24G
20 ml/min
Neonates, children, old elderly
26G
13 ml/min
Neonates
IV Cannulation: Video
FirstScrub.com
Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a common medical procedure used to establish access to a patient's veins for the administration of medications, fluids, or blood products. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines on the recommended steps for performing IV cannulation.
Here's a brief note on IV cannulation and its steps:
Preparation:
Gather all the necessary equipment, including gloves, appropriate-sized IV cannula, antiseptic solution, tourniquet, adhesive dressings, securement device, and non-touch technique (NTT) equipment
Ensure a clean and well-lit area for the procedure.
Verify the patient's identification and explain the procedure to them, addressing any concerns or questions.
Hand Hygiene:
Perform hand hygiene by using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before putting on gloves.
Site Selection:
Select an appropriate site for IV cannulation based on patient factors, such as clinical condition, anticipated duration of IV access, and patient preference.
Consider using the NICE guidelines for site selection, which recommend using the veins of the non-dominant arm, starting distally, and avoiding veins in joints or areas of flexion.
Skin Preparation:
Cleanse the selected site with an appropriate antiseptic solution using a back-and-forth motion for at least 30 seconds, allowing it to dry.
Cannulation:
Apply a tourniquet above the intended insertion site to enhance vein visibility and control blood flow.
Use a sterile technique to insert the IV cannula into the vein, ensuring proper positioning within the lumen.
Secure the cannula in place using adhesive dressings and a securement device to prevent accidental dislodgement.
Flush and Assess:
Flush the cannula with sterile saline to ensure patency and prevent clot formation.
Observe the patient for any signs of complications, such as pain, swelling, or infiltration, and assess the functioning of the IV line.
Post-Cannulation Care:
Apply gentle pressure over the insertion site to stop any bleeding.
Dispose of sharps in designated sharps containers.
Documentation:
Document the details of the procedure, including the site of cannulation, size of cannula used, any complications encountered, and patient response.
Note:
Following the NICE guidelines for IV cannulation helps healthcare professionals perform the procedure safely and effectively. By adhering to proper hand hygiene, site selection, and aseptic techniques, the risk of complications, such as infection or infiltration, can be minimized. Accurate documentation ensures continuity of care and facilitates communication among healthcare providers.