How often do you use transducers with UVCs?

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 14, 2004

I am trying to gather info on how many units routinely use transducers with their UVCs. We currently use transducers on all UACs and UVCs, but the policy is up for review. Do other units have this practice? Please let me know. Thanks!

Always with UACs, very rarely with UVCs. :)

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2004

We use with both UAC and UVC lines. I really don't get why we have to for the UVC, since they're never really accurate, but coworkers say that it will pick up really crazy CVPs and alarm off if the line gets disconnected, so the baby won't bleed out from that line. Never saw that happen EVER, so I don't really believe it's an issue...

If it's a double lumen line, we'll put the transducer on the port with heparinized saline and run the TPN through the other port without one.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2004

I've never seen a transducer used with a venous line.

prmenrs, RN · Jun 14, 2004

I have, with very sick babies, or post-op hearts. It must be zero'd carefully if you're really going to use the info, which can be helpful for fluid management.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2004

What is the difference between using info from a UV transducer as opposed to the UA?

UK2USA · Jun 16, 2004

What is the difference between using info from a UV transducer as opposed to the UA?

You don't use one over the other, but usually in conjunction with each other. With the UVC you can pick up a trace for the CVP (although it is inaccurate, you can use the trend to see what has been happening). The comment about the alarms is true aswell. Some units use less than satisfactory methods to secure these lines and having an alarm attached to the line can be of some use. I have seen one of these bleed out - not nice!

sfsn · Jun 16, 2004

We always use transducers with UACs, and often with UVCs.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jun 16, 2004

We rarely use a UVC as a CVP. They aren't super accurate and you have to be really careful about where the transducer is and rezeroing if you move the baby, etc. PITA.

Does anyone else ever do bladder pressures on a kid with a huge gastroschisis and a silo? Our surgeons do this to see if the abdominal pressure is getting to great as they squish the intestines back in. They have us hook our foley up to a UVC transducer.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2004

I still don't see a reason for a transducer on a UV.Do you do that if you don't have a UA? If the reading is not accurate and you can see MAP trends with the UA, is there a point I just don't get? Our alarms can set for MAP limits on a transducer if the readings are to high or low.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jun 16, 2004

Some places will use them as a quasi-CVP. It isn't a true CVP, but it can give you a trend on fluid overload or underload.

prmenrs, RN · Jun 16, 2004

I have heard that there is a new device coming down the road that will measure blood flow in the IVC, it is supposed to be a better indicator of fluid status than BP.