[iluvivt]

Originally Posted by IVRUS

Yes, we know that smaller syringe sizes can yield > PSI's, and I agree that one needs to understand the dynamics of pressure and flow and resistance to the same.
Many companies make recommendations for syringe size use with their IV catheters (usually <40 PSI), and while its been shown that 3cc syringes with "normal" hand pressure can yield upwards of 80-100 PSI, studies have also shown a possible PSI of 40-90 using "normal" hand pressure with a 12cc syringe.
However, when a catheter is patent, pressure within the lumen will not increase with a smaller syringe. (Therefore the key here is once you've determined that the catheter is patent...)
In addition, some medications require such accurate dosing and may be fractions of a cc in volume. Transferring the medication to a larger syringe can result in the loss of part of that medication.
Also, think of what is involved in the transferring of medication in this manner, and hopefully you see that your increasing the risk of introducing a CRBSI.
Hope this helps.

I still disagree with you. I did additional research just to make certain nothing had changed. I checked multiple manufactures sites as well as current IV therapy text and research and they basically say the same thing.........DO NOT USE a 1ml or 3ml syringe....they specifically state use a 10 ml syringe to avoid catheter rupture. It says use the 10 ml for flushing and medication administration and this includes pediatric -sized catheters as well. I understand your concern about smaller volume doses ,but there are other ways to assure correct dosing. The manufacturer knows their product....so why would one choose to ignore their recommendation. I could not find even one reference that said use the 10 ml syringe only to assess patency and then whatever you think best. if thee is a reference out there please let me know. Yes I remember reading that same article but we will still follow the product makers recommendations...b/c one catheter rupture is one too many not to mention that that could end a life....no thank you!!!!!!

[IVRUS]

Originally Posted by iluvivt

I still disagree with you. I did additional research just to make certain nothing had changed. I checked multiple manufactures sites as well as current IV therapy text and research and they basically say the same thing.........DO NOT USE a 1ml or 3ml syringe....they specifically state use a 10 ml syringe to avoid catheter rupture. It says use the 10 ml for flushing and medication administration and this includes pediatric -sized catheters as well. I understand your concern about smaller volume doses ,but there are other ways to assure correct dosing. The manufacturer knows their product....so why would one choose to ignore their recommendation. I could not find even one reference that said use the 10 ml syringe only to assess patency and then whatever you think best. if thee is a reference out there please let me know. Yes I remember reading that same article but we will still follow the product makers recommendations...b/c one catheter rupture is one too many not to mention that that could end a life....no thank you!!!!!!

I realize that the manufacturers state to use a ten cc syringe or greater when flushing and ascertaining patency, and I agree, however I'm saying once patency has been determined, then and only then should you use anything other than a 10cc syringe and then only if the situation warrents.. ie administering small amounts of med.
In addition, remember that just because you use a ten cc syringe, that in and of itself is not the "save-all" many think it is. You still can exceed manufacturers PSI if your hand pressure is too great.
And... Why can't we teach medical professionals the rationale behind the science of these principles? If we are just going to confuse them with the facts, should we be entrusting them with these tasks in the first place?!!!
Check out this article under the Catheter Connection Column
In the:
Journal of Vascular Access Devices
Volume 3 No 3
Fall 1998