I.v. devices and related infections: causes and complications

The use of intravenous devices has long been established as a life-saving and important part of total patient management. However, such devices are not without risk and their use is frequently complicated by local or systemic infections and complications. Twenty-five million patients are estimated to enter the NHS annually and receive some form of intravenous therapy by the peripheral route (Campbell, 1998). It behoves all staff who are involved in the management of intravenous devices to base their practice on what is agreed by consensus in the literature as being effective in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. This article draws together such literature and presents recommendations for good practice for the management of intravenous-related devices.