Fluid dispersal from safety cannulas: an in vitro comparative test

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Infection Control
• Clinical Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are crucial for medication administration.
• Safety mechanisms in PIVCs aim to prevent needlestick injuries.
• Potential for aerosolization and splatter from PIVC safety devices requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively evaluate blood droplet generation during withdrawal between two PIVCs with passive, fully automatic safety mechanisms.
• To assess the risk of blood splatter associated with specific PIVC safety features.

Main Methods:

• A comparative laboratory study design was employed.
• Two distinct PIVCs featuring passive, fully automatic safety mechanisms were tested.
• Blood droplet generation during catheter withdrawal was quantified and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Main Results:

• One PIVC model demonstrated no blood droplet generation.
• The second PIVC model generated fluid droplets in 48% to 60% of withdrawal instances.
• Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed a significant effect (P < .001) on the number of droplets generated by the tested devices.

Conclusions:

• The design of passive, fully automatic safety mechanisms in PIVCs can significantly influence blood droplet generation.
• Certain PIVC safety devices may inadvertently increase the risk of blood splatter.
• Healthcare worker safety necessitates careful selection of PIVCs, considering potential splatter hazards.