Relationship of local i.v. complications and the method of intermittenti.v. access

Infiltration, infection, phlebitis, and thrombophlebitis are considered the most frequent complications of i.v. therapy. The purpose of our study was to determine if a difference existed in incidence of complications during i.v. infusions depending on whether the i.v. tubing is directly connected to the infusion device or the tubing is connected to the latex port of an i.v. lock using a needle. Background information, mehtod followed, and results obtained in the study are discussed.