Insertion of an IV Cannula
Purpose
To assure a safe and secure procedure, prevention of infection, and optimal pain relief given to the baby.
Responsible
Doctors and nursing staff.
PROCEDURE
Before insertion of IV cannula make sure you have all needed equipment present:
- Gloves
- Dextrose 10 % / Sucrose 25% cotton wick
- Cotton with alcohol 70 %
- Tape, Durapore
- IV Cannula of appropriate caliber
- Syringe and normal saline
- Blood sample vials
While insertion of an IV cannula there should be two nurses present. One to insert the IV cannula, the other to administer pain relief Dextrose 10 % / Sucrose 25% and support the baby. If the nurse is not able to insert the IV cannula after two attempts, the other nurse is to try. If failure to insert IV cannula after three attempts the baby is to be given a break before new attempts are initiated.
- Wash hands and dry. Put on sterile gloves
- Administer Dextrose 10 % on a cotton wick two minutes prior to procedure.
- Identify a suitable vein. Wipe skin with alcohol 70 %, and allow skin to dry.
- Insert the IV cannula. If needed, take blood samples from the cannula.
- Flush the IV cannula with Normal saline to ensure patency.
- Secure the IV cannula with tape. Make sure tape is not too tight as it can prevent blood to flow. The insertion site is to be visible if possible. Use cotton between skin and the IV cannula to prevent sores and pressure marks.
- Destroy the needle and discard in appropriate container.
- Wash hands.
Insertion of IV cannula should be attempted once with one cannula. If the attempt is unsuccessful, use a new IV cannula for next attempt.
References
- Practical Procedures for the Newborn Nursery. Deorari, Paul, Singhal, Scotland and McMillan, Third Edition (2010)
- Oslo University Hospital Procedure on Cannula (2012).
Document Information
Version: 2.0
Published: August 20, 2015
Revised by: Dr Chetan Meena
Contributors: Nurse Sangeeta Vijay and Nurse Helene Bjornstad
Previous Versions: v1.0