Use of closed cannulae in peripheral intravenous cannulation
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD Previous    

Use of closed cannulae in peripheral intravenous cannulation

Sally Jane Shaw Lead trainer, VIP Venepuncture and Cannulation Training, Warwickshire, England

Undertaking peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulations and the management of cannulae are associated with the risk of blood leakage or spillage and blood exposure. Open cannulae are the most common type of peripheral IV cannulae used in the UK. However, closed cannulae, also known as blood-control cannulae, have the potential to reduce the risk of needlestick injury, blood leakage and blood exposure during cannulation, as well as to increase dwell time and patient comfort. Closed cannulae may also reduce the time taken to perform cannulation. This article explains the differences between open cannulae and closed cannulae. It reviews the current use of open cannulae and the risks of blood exposure and how these can be reduced. The benefits of using closed cannulae are also described.

Nursing Standard. 31, 36, 54-63. doi: 10.7748/ns.2017.e10713

Correspondence

sally.shaw88@yahoo.co.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Conflict of interest

None declared

Received: 07 October 2016

Accepted: 07 February 2017

Your organisation does not have access to this article
Recommend to your librarian
RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

OR

3-month trial offer for �5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more