How do bundles reduce CLABSI rates in hematology patients
The objective of the study was to reduce, by a bundle of interventions, the global bloodstream infections and catheter related bloodstream infections rates in neutropenic hematology patients with a long-term central venous catheter” Martinez et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to reduce, by a bundle of interventions, the global bloodstream […]
Capillary blood sampling procedure standardisation
The capillary blood sampling procedure can influence the quality of the sample as well as the accuracy of test results, highlighting the need for immediate, widespread standardization” Krleza et al (2015). Abstract: Capillary blood sampling is a medical procedure aimed at assisting in patient diagnosis, management and treatment, and is increasingly used worldwide, in part […]
Blood sample hemolysis and the impact of pneumatic tube transportation systems
Pneumatic tube transportation (PTT) may induce hemolysis (H) in blood samples. We aimed to compare the H degree before and after PTT implementation in our hospital” Pasqualetti et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pneumatic tube transportation (PTT) may induce hemolysis (H) in blood samples. We aimed to compare the H degree before and after PTT implementation […]
Healthcare professional awareness of venipuncture associated hemolysis
Confidence level at last venipuncture among both profiles of healthcare staff was very high, but they showed insufficient knowledge about possible factors affecting hemolysis…” Milutinović et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess confidence level of healthcare professionals in venipuncture and their knowledge on the possible causes of in vitro hemolysis. MATERIALS AND […]
How to change norepinephrine infusion to prevent flow interruption
Changeovers from the nearly empty to the full syringe can be performed manually using the quick change technique (QC) or automatically using smart infusion pumps (SIP) that link two syringes” Greau et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Norepinephrine is a key drug for treating shock but has a short half-life that requires continuous intravenous administration to […]
Effect of laryngeal mask airway placement on internal jugular vein position
The placement of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) changes the relative positions of the common carotid artery (CCA) and right internal jugular vein (IJV), thereby affecting venipuncture via the right IJV” Liu et al (2015). Abstract: The placement of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) changes the relative positions of the common carotid artery (CCA) and […]
Geospatial mapping to determine locations for phlebotomy services
This analysis provided clear, objective evidence of communities that are currently relatively underserved by patient service centers” Baskin et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Approaches to determining optimal locations for patient service centers (phlebotomy clinics) have not been addressed in the published literature. Using the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, as a test case, our objective […]
Do variations in phlebotomy technique influence blood test results
This exploratory study was designed to determine if differences in phlebotomy techniques would significantly affect the abundance of plasma proteins in an upcoming biomarker development study” Penn et al (2015). Abstract: Multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) is an emerging technology for blood biomarker verification and validation; however, the results may be influenced by pre-analytical […]
CT guided removal of broken peripheral intravenous catheter
Intravascular foreign bodies occurrence has increased from a decade or so” Singh et al (2015). Abstract: Foreign bodies are encountered on day to day basis by a surgeon. Usually foreign bodies are lodged in narrow cavities of the body and the common age group is in children. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… CT guided removal of […]
Distraction by a medical clown reduces venipuncture anxiety
Distraction by a medical clown is helpful in children undergoing blood tests or line insertion” Meiri et al (2015). Abstract: Recently, the utilization of medical clowns to reduce anxiety, stress, and even pain associated with hospitalization has become popular. However, the scientific basis of this benefit and outcome is scant. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Distraction […]
The effect of distraction on venipuncture pain in children
The experimental study that follows was planned to determine the effectiveness of distraction on the pain level in school-age children as they underwent venipuncture” Karakaya and Gözen (2015). Abstract: The experimental study that follows was planned to determine the effectiveness of distraction on the pain level in school-age children as they underwent venipuncture. The study […]
An unusual case of central venous catheter malposition
Catheter malposition may both lead to fatal outcomes and ineffective dialysis. It is important to obtain chest X-rays after the procedure, particularly to detect catheter malposition” Akturk et al (2015). Abstract: Hemodialysis catheters are vital for chronic renal failure patients. Permanent tunneled dialysis catheters may be inserted through the jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins. In […]
Candida biofilm-associated infections of central venous catheters
Candida biofilm-associated infections of central venous catheters are a challenging therapeutic problem” Ghannoum et al (2015). Abstract: Candida biofilm-associated infections of central venous catheters are a challenging therapeutic problem. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies of the structure, formation, pathogenesis, and treatment establish a rationale for new approaches to management of these tenacious infections. […]
PICC teams promote best practice and prevent complications
These data suggest that nurse PICC teams play an integral role in PICC use at many hospitals and that use of such teams may promote key practices to prevent complications” Krein et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased substantially within hospitals during the past several years. Yet, […]
What are the complications related to central venous access
This article discusses common and rare complications associated with central venous access, as well as techniques to recognize, manage, and prevent complications” Kornbau et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous access is a common procedure performed in many clinical settings for a variety of indications. Central lines are not without risk, and there are a multitude […]
Vascular access outcomes in haemodialysis patients
Aim of the present study was to review our experience of vascular access in Haemodialysis patients (both central venous catheters and arteriovenous fistula) and to assess its success rate and common complications” Hemachandar (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vascular access is the key in successful management of chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. Though native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is […]
Ultrasound guided vascular access skills reviewed by job role
Properly trained nursing staff can be as equally successful as EM residents in placing US guided intravenous lines” Carter et al (2015). Abstract: Objectives: Ultrasound (US) guidance is a safe and effective method for peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement. However, no studies have directly compared the success rate of emergency medicine (EM) residents and nurses […]
Daptomycin antibiotic lock therapy for hemodialysis patients
We assessed the efficacy of systemic daptomycin (DPT) plus DPT antibiotic lock therapy (DPT-ALT) for catheter salvage in patients with Gram-positive CRBSIs” Yen et al (2015). Abstract: Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is a major complication in hemodialysis patients. We assessed the efficacy of systemic daptomycin (DPT) plus DPT antibiotic lock therapy (DPT-ALT) for catheter […]
ECG-aided tip localization of peripherally inserted central catheter
ECG-aided tip localization of PICC is accurate and safe, and is worth clinically recommending” Liu et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ECG-aided tip localization of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the patients with cancer. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… ECG-aided tip localization of peripherally inserted central catheter http://ctt.ec/QWfD0+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”QWfD0″] METHODS: Between September […]
Citrate lock solutions reviewed alongside other catheter locks
The meta-analysis showed that antimicrobial-containing and citrate-alone lock solutions were superior to heparin for preventing CRB (both P < 0.01)” Liu et al (2015). Abstract: Locking of central venous catheters with heparin is an accepted practice to maintain catheter patency between dialysis sessions. However, this practice may cause other adverse reactions. Although many studies suggest […]
Tunnelled central venous line-associated infections reviewed
The clinical presentation, microbiology, consequences and management of these central venous catheter associated infections in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with intravenous prostacyclins are discussed” Boucly et al (2015). Abstract: Intravenous prostacyclins are a valuable treatment for patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, leading to improved exercise capacity, haemodynamics, quality of life and survival. Unfortunately, due […]
Nutritional issues associated with short bowel syndrome discussed
In this review, I focus on the extreme of the short bowel syndrome where the loss of intestine is so great that patients cannot survive without intravenous feeding” O’Keefe (2015). Abstract: In this review, I focus on the extreme of the short bowel syndrome where the loss of intestine is so great that patients cannot […]
Central venous catheters provide reliable vascular access in Ebola virus disease
Our primary objective was to compare peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) and central venous catheters (CVCs) for volume resuscitation in patients with EVD” Cotte et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Treatment remains supportive and often requires intravenous (IV) access. IV catheters are […]
Pitfalls of ultrasound guided vascular access reviewed
The authors of this review focus on pitfalls of ultrasound guidance: most important practical aspects as well as nonroutine vascular applications are discussed” Reusz and Csomos (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein has become a standard practice over recent years. Despite known benefits, ultrasound is less frequently used for […]
Simulation-based training for central venous catheter insertion
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the physical fidelity of the simulation model on learning outcomes for a simulation-based education program for CVC insertion” Diederich et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based education for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion has been repeatedly documented to improve performance, but the impact of simulation […]
Innovative training improves adherence to hand hygiene rules
To assess the feasibility of an innovative hands-on training to improve adherence to hygiene rules under standardized and under real life conditions” Stock et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) still pose a major problem in inpatient care. The single most important measure for preventing HAIs is to improve adherence to hand hygiene among […]
Prevention of peripheral intravenous site infiltrations in children
Peripheral IV site complications, such as infiltration and phlebitis, account for the greatest risk to most patients receiving infusion therapy” Taylor (2015). Abstract: More than 90% of hospitalized patients require peripheral intravenous (IV) access for the delivery of fluids, nutrition, or medication. Peripheral IV site complications, such as infiltration and phlebitis, account for the greatest […]
Patient involvement is vascular access and infusion decisions
The findings suggest that a nurse’s conduct aimed at drawing patients in and inviting them to participate in a conversation leads toward shared decisions. Infusion nurses may find this information useful as they engage their patients in shared decisions” Truglio-Londrigan (2015). Abstract: Shared decision making is a process characterized by a partnership between a nurse […]
Midline catheter use in the newborn intensive care unit
The aim of this literature review is to evaluate current research and practice pertaining to midline catheter (MC) use in NICU patients” Romesberg (2015). Abstract: When deciding which vascular access devices (VADs) are appropriate for patients in newborn intensive care units (NICUs), clinical providers may have difficulty reaching consensus because of a lack of evidence-based […]
Effect of acupressure on pain and anxiety caused by venipuncture
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of massage of acupoints on pain and anxiety caused by venipuncture” Hosseinabadi et al (2015). Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of massage of acupoints on pain and anxiety caused by venipuncture. In this double-blind clinical trial, 187 patients who […]