07. IV Cannulation (Lines)

Last updated on 06/07/2022

NEVER place an IV line in an arm with a fistula or the same side as a mastectomy.

  • This is one of the most common procedures required of you during your intern year and is a vital skill to become good and efficient at.
  • On call you will undoubtedly be asked on numerous occasions to either insert or re-site an IV line.
  • Currently the hospital is testing pre-made IV kits (not available on every ward) which contain all the supplies needed apart from gloves and the cannula.
  • Always use an aseptic/no touch technique – hand hygiene!
  • Document the insertion date and site – hospital policy is that all lines should be reviewed by a doctor after 72 hours.
  • Scrub the bung with an alco-wipe before and after each use.


Tips

  • You should generally start off with pink and slowly graduate down to blue lines in all routine cases. Some situations require wider-bore lines (CCU and unstable patients). Try using green lines in these situations.
  • If the line has been difficult or the patient looks like they may pull the line out, connect the bung directly to the cannula and wrap it in a crepe bandage.
  • Remember – smaller lumen tissue quicker.
  • If you are having difficulty with a line – try hanging the arm over the bed and let gravity do its work.
  • If inserting a new IV line, you can on this instance take bloods from the line but remember not to flush the line until samples are taken.

Equipment

  • Iv Cannula (See table below)
  • Gauze x3
  • Syringe (10mls)
  • Saline flush
  • Tegaderm
  • Tape
  • Alcohol/Chlorhexidine wipes x2
  • T-connector and blue bung
  • Tournastrips should now be in all clinical rooms (do not use gloves)

Cannula Colour Guage
Smallest Yellow 24G
Small Blue 22G
Standard Pink 20G
Big Green 18G
Large (Resus) Grey 16G
Huge (Anaes) Orange 14G