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PROTOCOL FOR 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:

  • Dextrose 10 %/ Sucrose 25%
  • Dry cotton
  • Cotton with alcohol 70 %
  • Tape, Durapore (paper tape is not to be used on the skin)
  • IV Cannulas
  • Normal saline
  • Syringe
  • Blood sample containers
  • Gloves

While insertion of an IV cannula there should be two nurses present. One to insert the IV cannula, the other to administer painrelief 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.

  1. Clean hands.
  2. Administration of Dextrose 10 % on a cotton swab two minutes prior to procedure.
  3. Identify a suitable vein.
  4. Put on gloves if needed; e.g. if the baby has a transmitted disease or nurse has sore on his/her hands.
  5. Wipe skin with alcohol 70 %, and allow skin to dry.
  6. Insert the IV cannula.
  7. If needed, take blood samples.
  8. Flush the IV cannula with Normal saline to ensure patency.
  9. 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.
  10. Discard needle in a safe container.
  11. Wash hands.
REMEMBER

All IV cannulas are for one time use only. However, if the IV cannula has to be used again make sure the cannula is stored in the sterile container between attempts and rinse the IV cannula with normal saline between each try

References​

Practical Procedures for the Newborn Nursery, A Manual for Physicians and Nurses, by Deorari, Paul, Singhal, Scotland and McMillan, Third Edition (2010) and Oslo University Hospital Procedure on Cannula (2012).

Document Information​

Archived Version

Version: 1.0 (Archived)
Published: August 3, 2015
Contributors: Nurse Sangeeta Vijay and Nurse Helene Bjornstad
View: Current Version