Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venous access. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products.

What is the purpose of cannulation?

The purpose of cannulation is to deliver fluids, antibiotics and blood products intravenously (into the vein) to improve the condition for which a patient is being treated.

What is needed for cannulation?

Equipment used for intravenous (IV) cannulation includes the following (see the images below): Nonsterile gloves. Tourniquet. Antiseptic solution (2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol)

What is the difference between a catheter and a cannula?

What is the difference between Catheter and Cannula? Cannula is a short flexible tube which is introduced into a blood vessel, while Catheter is defined as a tube which is substantially longer than Intra Vascular Cannula for peripheral access to body.

Is a cannula an IV?

Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venous access. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products.

Intravenous (IV) cannulation - OSCE Guide

Are cannulas painful?

What should I do if my cannula becomes painful? If your cannula becomes painful or the area around it becomes red or swollen you must tell one of your nurses immediately. It may need to be removed.

How do you do cannulation?

1. Introduce yourself to the patient. ...
2. Sanitise your hands using alcohol cleanser. ...
3. Re-check the vein. ...
4. Clean the patients skin with the alcohol wipe. ...
5. Remove the needle cover. ...
6. Flashback of blood is seen in the hub. ...
7. Advance the rest of the cannula into the vein. ...
8. Remove the needle.

How is cannulation done?

Intravenous cannulation is a process by which a small plastic tube (a cannula) is inserted into a peripheral vein. The subsequent venous access can be used for the administration of fluids, medication and nutrition. In some cases, blood samples can also be obtained from the cannula.

Which vein is best for cannulation?

The preferred site for cannula insertion is the dorsum of the hand. The antecubital fossa should generally be avoided unless there are no other appropriate sites. The chosen vein should be visible, straight, easily compressed and not over a joint (SCHN 2019).

What is a cannula used for in Labour?

First, a cannula (a fine plastic tube) will be put in a vein in your hand or arm, and you will usually have a drip (intravenous fluid) running as well (you may also need a drip in labour for other reasons, such as to give you medication to speed up your labour or if you are being sick).

Can you draw blood from a cannula?

Guidelines recommend blood samples from peripheral intravenous cannula be taken only on insertion. Anecdotal evidence suggests drawing blood from existing cannulas may be a common practice.

How long can you leave a cannula?

Your cannula should be replaced every 72-96 hours or removed by a nurse once venous access is no longer required (or earlier if a problem occurs). However, staff may have a valid reason for leaving the cannula in for longer; this will be explained to you on request.

Where do you place a cannula?

Insert the cannula directly above the vein, through the skin at an angle of 10-30º with the bevel facing upwards. 9. Observe for a flashback of blood into the cannula chamber, which confirms that the needle has punctured the vein.

What is the best site for IV cannulation?

1. Hand. Dorsal arch veins. ...
2. Wrist. Volar aspect. ...
3. Cubital fossa. Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins. ...
4. Foot. Dorsal arch. ...
5. Scalp. Scalp veins should only be used once other alternatives are exhausted.

What are the parts of cannula?

An iv cannula has four parts, i.e. a metallic stylet with a luer chamber, a polyvinyl chloride cannula, a flashback chamber and a luer lock cap [Figure 1]. The iv cannulae can be converted into a nerve stimulator needle in four simple steps [Figure 2].

What is the difference between Venepuncture and cannulation?

As previously stated, peripheral IV cannulation involves inserting an IV cannula into a peripheral vein. Primarily the veins of the hand or forearm are used. Venepuncture involves inserting a needle into the peripheral veins, for the purpose of aspirating blood.

What does the word Cannulate mean?

cannulate Add to list Share. When a doctor cannulates a patient, she inserts a very thin tube into the patient's body. A common reason a doctor might cannulate someone is to give them I.V. ... drugs or drawing out blood or other fluid is called a cannula, a word that means "small reed or pipe" in Latin.

Do cannulas damage veins?

Peripheral and central venous cannulas/catheters can both cause extravasation injuries. These may include the type of cannula used ie butterfly needles (metal/steel), large sized catheters relative to the vein size it's inserted into, and cannulas inadequately secured.

What can go wrong with cannulation?

Complications include infection, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage, extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries. Careful adherence to guidelines and procedures can minimise these risks.

Why do cannulas bruise?

A bruise from an IV typically forms during or after IV treatment when the punctured vein wall allows blood to enter the skin and pool inside it. After which, the outer layer of the skin absorbs the blood and holds it there – resulting in the discoloration.

What veins should I avoid for cannulation?

The veins of choice are the cephalic or basilic. Avoid using the antecubital veins as this will restrict the patient's movement and increase the risk of complications such as phlebitis and infiltration (Dougherty & Watson, 2011; RCN, 2010).

What does VIP stand for in cannulation?

The introduction of the visual infusion phlebitis (VIP) score tool for assessment of the early signs of phlebitis, along with prompt removal of peripheral intravenous cannulas, has been very successful in reducing the incidence below the acceptable rate of 5%.