Accuracy of vein identification methods for vascular access

vascular access

“Vein assessment via standard visualization/palpation effectively rules out inappropriate sites and should trigger early ultrasound escalation. However, clinically “suitable” veins are frequently suboptimal on ultrasound, supporting broader use of ultrasound to guide initial cannulation decisions” Bahl et al (2026).

Cephalic vein for cannulation in pediatric patients

vascular access

“Risk factors for difficult cannulation of the cephalic vein in children remain underexplored. This study aimed to perform an ultrasound-based morphometric assessment of the vein in pediatric patients” Samocki et al (2026).

Vascular access in neonates under 1000 grams

vascular access

“Ultrasound-guided nT-CICCs are associated with significantly lower rates of infectious and mechanical complications compared with n-PICCs in ELBW neonates” Capasso et al (2026).

Technology to improve peripheral intravenous access and care

peripheral iv

“This expert consensus presents 14 evidence-informed statements designed to strengthen practice, improve patient safety, and enhance clinician confidence and competence. Central to these recommendations is the adoption of routine structured pre-insertion vessel assessment using vein visualization technology where appropriate to minimize vessel trauma, and promote more consistent, high-quality vascular access care” Spencer et al (2026).

Current practices in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

IVTEAM opat

“The majority of healthcare facilities implement OPAT through a formal structure. However, several challenges continue to hinder its routine implementation. Ongoing efforts to address implementation barriers are crucial for strengthening existing services and supporting the expansion of new services” Mohammed et al (2026).

Antibiofilm efficacy of stabilised hypochlorous acid

iv lock

“Stabilised HOCl demonstrated substantial antibiofilm activity while preserving cellular morphology under the conditions tested. These findings suggest that HOCl may represent a promising candidate for catheter-related infection prevention, although further studies incorporating functional cytotoxicity assays are required” Daştan et al (2026).

Challenges of peripheral vascular access – Full Text

peripheral iv

“To inform development of an algorithm (composed of a scale and a decision-making tree) tailored to puncture conditions for preventing failures and guiding responses when failures occur by identifying real needs and requirements of health professionals with respect to organization of peripheral venous catheter care” Ricci et al (2026).

Racial disparities in healthcare-associated infections – Full Text

CLABSI

“Racial and ethnic disparities were observed in rates of HAIs, specifically for CLABSI and HO-CDI. However, conclusions are limited by the substantial heterogeneity present. Further research characterizing social determinants of health driving these disparities is needed” Perez et al (2026).

Preoperative venography prior to port implantation – Full Text

iv port

“Given the limitations of ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) placement in detecting venous abnormalities and predicting pinch-off syndrome, this study evaluates whether preoperative venography can improve surgical planning and reduce complications by identifying these anatomical risks prior to implantation” Yan et al (2026).

Vasoactive drug syringe infusion pump changeover – Full Text

IV pump

“This review highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines for syringe pump changeover methods. Standardized procedures and optimized protocols for automated/smart syringe pumps can minimize errors, improve drug delivery accuracy, and enhance critical care quality” Li et al (2026).

Treatment of central line-associated bloodstream infection – Full Text

CLABSI

“The guideline comprises 52 recommendations, focusing on adult patients with central venous catheters in the ICU. Part 1 of this guideline focuses on the diagnosis and prevention of CLABSI. In Part 2, we will further analyze the management of catheters following infection and the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents” Guideline working group of Chinese Society of Critical Care et al (2026).

Blood culture contamination rates

blood sampling

“Initial central venous blood culture sampling before CVC insertion is a simple approach that does not generate additional costs and may reduce contamination while preserving accurate pathogen detection, thereby potentially improving diagnostic certainty and supporting antimicrobial stewardship” Hellenthal et al (2026).

Accidental arterial PICC placement in neonatal patients

picc

“This series supports the use of routine immediate POCUS for all neonatal PICC lines and consideration of real-time ultrasound-guided PICC placement. Warning signs of intra-arterial placement include abnormal line trajectory on radiographs, insertion site oozing, high pump pressures and limb ischaemia (including contralateral limb involvement)” Douch et al (2026).

Midline catheter insertion

midline catheter

“This study explored how nurses trained in midline catheter insertion describe their emotional experiences during the procedure, and how these emotions emerge as they recount their technical actions and interactions with patients” Guillouët et al (2026).

Ultrasound vessel sizing before cannulation

peripheral iv

“The catheter gauge and length are often chosen based on visual estimation. Ultrasound allows for the direct measurement of vessel diameter and depth, which may reduce failed attempts, particularly in patients with difficult access and pediatric patients” Linares and Lopes (2026).

Outpatient chemotherapy planning

drug aministration

“It is important to have efficient planning for outpatient chemotherapy to optimize the utilization of resources while maintaining the optimal quality of care services” Bazrafshan et al (2026).

Timeliness of antibiotic administration in suspected CLABSI cases

clabsi

“This quality improvement initiative significantly improved appropriateness and timeliness of antibiotic delivery in children with PIF presenting with suspected CLABSI through multidisciplinary interventions targeting provider awareness, process standardization, and system-level barriers” Meenan et al (2026).