Positive Pressure Valve on Peripheral IVs

[shawnmed]

Is anyone out there using a Positive Pressure Valve on all your Central Lines as well as your Peripheral Lines?

I heard from a nurse that a Positive Pressure Valve was not recommended for peripheral lines. I have not been able to find any documentation that states this. I would think a Positive Pressure Valve would decrease overall catheter occlusions.

Please let me know if you might have any insight on this.

shawnmed

[mopnglo42]

One specific problem associated with positive pressure values tends to be problems with increase of catheter related blood stream infections (CR-BSI). Stick down and leakage has also been reported. bobnurse I can e-mail you a couple of articles if you are interested. Just let me know

Donna

Hi Donna!

My name is Beth. I read this on the forum. I was wondering if you could email the articles that you mailed bobnurse. My hospital wants to do a research study with the positive pressure valves on peripheral lines (we actually have a grant). It would be such a great help. Thank you!

Beth

[mopnglo42]

shawnmed, if you could send me the articles you found too that would be great!!

[brutuss7]

I am in charge of a newly formed infusion team. We survey, approve PICC line insertions and monitor, assess, and change all central line dressings. I am interested in any literature that pertains to increase in blood stream infections from these positive pressure caps. We did well below the CDC rate in December to find us above the rate in January. We are trying to find the causes and eliminate them. Any help would be appreciated.