My facility has both the Prevue Plus and Site Rite 8 ultrasounds. Is it off label or inappropriate to use a Site Rite ultrasound to place USG PIVs, especially if we have Prevue's? I think staff are using the Site Rite's because they are either used to that machine, or perhaps they can see the vessel more clearly on the Site Rite. Is using the needleguide that comes in the 96 inch sterile probe cover (made for the PICC) off label for PIV insertion? (It is not appropriate to use a 96 inch length probe cover in the first place - we have 12 and 48 inch ones). We do not use gelcaps or needle guides. We use sterile gel and a 12-inch sterile probe cover.
No it is not inappropriate to use any US for PIV insertion. Just because one brand has a US specifically designed for PIV does not make use of the others "off-label". We have gotten a little crazy with this off-label issue, I think. If the inserter is more confident and successful with the needle guide, then use it!! If the 12-inch probe cover is enough to prevent contamaintation and works for you, then use it. 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