[Use of peripheral catheters: too much to learn]

Frequently incident complications due to the use of peripheral catheters are considered not relevant. However, recently multiple observational studies have demonstrated its role causing nosocomial bacteraemia. Guidelines about prevention of catheter-related infection are focused in central lines instead of peripheral ones. This approach causes an important lack of knowledge about the best manner to manipulate peripheral lines. Risk factors related to the development of a peripheral phlebitis, its clinical relevance and doubts related to prevention are presented and discussed in this article. The main objective is to alert about the importance of peripheral catheters in the prevention of nosocomial infection.