Authors' recommendations: Adequate vein viewing is an essential step for all procedures that require vascular access including collection of blood samples and placement of intravenous catheters. Typically, the optimal site for venous access is identified through a combined visual and tactile process. Factors that complicate vein viewing include dark skin, obesity, small vein diameter, disease processes, and peripheral vasoconstriction. Placement of an intravenous catheter in children requires, on average, 2.2 needle insertions and takes longer than 30 minutes to perform. The first attempt at inserting an intravenous catheter is successful in fewer than half of the children. Repeated needlesticks increase the risk of local complications and increase the pain and anxiety of the patient, which contribute to further difficulty in vein viewing and successful venous access. Also, difficult venous access increases costs because of the need for additional labor and supplies and an increased procedural time.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from:http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=14185

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2012 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc