See INS Standard 22 Vascular Visualization, states to use large, sterile transparent membrane dressing or sterile shealth cover and sterile gel. Hard to believe the literature search for these was about 5 years ago. There was not much published then and I am sure there is more now. Lynn
When scouting for a suitable vein I teach to use some form of probe protection, even if it's just a wall glove. There are nooks and crannies on those probes that are challenging to clean. After discussion with IP it was decided to cover for vein assessment, wipe the probe, proceed with sterile cover and sterile gel for venipuncture.
Thank you Ms. Lynn for your reply. I do use probe cover when inserting PIV's. But one of my co workers uses sterile probe covers when assessing veins and then uses another sterile probe covers when inserting PIV. I wanted to see if there was literature out there that dictates such practice or can I use the US probe without covers when assessing veins and then put one prior to inserting US guided PIV. Thank you in advance of your thoughts !!
Yes, you can use probe covers as you described. Just remember that the probe will need to be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer instructions before it is used on another patient.
I prepare the arm, use sterile 4x4 3/4 inch sterile tegaderm over the probe, look for a vein and don't change it before venipuncture.
Seems to me that the gel may prevent optimal penetration of chloraprep so I clean first.
I use a sterile drape under the arm (doesn't remain sterile) clean the mid to upper forearm/antecub, palm up with 3ml chloraprep and a 1.5ml chloraprep freppe (in kit), then I look for a vein and place short peripheral using the same dressing.
See INS Standard 22 Vascular Visualization, states to use large, sterile transparent membrane dressing or sterile shealth cover and sterile gel. Hard to believe the literature search for these was about 5 years ago. There was not much published then and I am sure there is more now. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
When scouting for a suitable vein I teach to use some form of probe protection, even if it's just a wall glove. There are nooks and crannies on those probes that are challenging to clean. After discussion with IP it was decided to cover for vein assessment, wipe the probe, proceed with sterile cover and sterile gel for venipuncture.
Thank you Ms. Lynn for your reply. I do use probe cover when inserting PIV's. But one of my co workers uses sterile probe covers when assessing veins and then uses another sterile probe covers when inserting PIV. I wanted to see if there was literature out there that dictates such practice or can I use the US probe without covers when assessing veins and then put one prior to inserting US guided PIV. Thank you in advance of your thoughts !!
Eunhee Park
Yes, you can use probe covers as you described. Just remember that the probe will need to be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer instructions before it is used on another patient.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I prepare the arm, use sterile 4x4 3/4 inch sterile tegaderm over the probe, look for a vein and don't change it before venipuncture.
Seems to me that the gel may prevent optimal penetration of chloraprep so I clean first.
I use a sterile drape under the arm (doesn't remain sterile) clean the mid to upper forearm/antecub, palm up with 3ml chloraprep and a 1.5ml chloraprep freppe (in kit), then I look for a vein and place short peripheral using the same dressing.
Nancy Rose