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INFECTION PREVENTION
2. Tape parallel to the catheter. Apply a longer and narrower piece of any clear tape over and parallel to the IV catheter, with a small amount proximal to the Tegaderm and
pinched onto the tubing at the distal end (Photo 2).
3. Tape perpendicular to the catheter. If needed, apply tape perpendicular to the catheter to help prevent the tubing from flipping the catheter up and out.
Improved sterility, stability and visibility
The traditional method of placing sterile transparent dressing over the crisscrossed tape (Photo 3) makes it hard to troubleshoot a kinked catheter or to remove taping when you need to troubleshoot but still preserve the IV. Sometimes I see transparent dressing applied in such a way that there's very little tape on any part of the apparatus (Photo 4) and the IV is completely vulnerable.
Taping an IV is one of those things that people do a certain way because they've always done it that way. I'd like to see more research to assess the stability and practicality of peripheral IV taping methods, but using the "Cady IV Method" is a good start. This method makes it easier to see what's going on with the IV, keep better sterility and minimize the chances of the IV being pulled out. Don't cross the tape over the junction of the hub and IV tubing. Instead, place the Tegaderm over the IV catheter hub/tubing first. OSM
Dr. Cady (doctorcady@gmail.com) works for Westlake Anesthesia Group in Austin, Texas, and is dual board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine.
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INFECTION BREACH? Are you risking infection by using the same non-sterile tape rolls to secure catheters on patient after patient?
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