Re: Lab Draws from Mid-line Catheters

[Halle Utter]

I have to agree with Chris. Our group places lines in patients in hospitals, rehab facilities, and LTC facilities.  If the catheter gives a good blood return, and you don't have any other good options, why wouldn't you use the midline?  Some midlines won't give you a good return.  Some PICC's won't give a good return either!  The vein where the midline terminates is larger than the AC veins used for 99% of labdraws that occur with peripheral sticks.  I would much rather use a midline that draws well, along with appropriate flushing of course pre and post draw, than have the patient go through multiple unsuccessful attempts just to avoid using the Midline catheter.  I have been an IV nurse for 21 years, and have not seen problems with this practice.     Here's a great idea for someone's poster at the AVA or INS convention.    Halle Utter Intravenous Care, INC     ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 5:20 PM Subject: Re: Lab Draws from Mid-line Catheters Are there any studies NOT to suport this practice?  Short PIVs are in a SMALLER peripheral vein and are used for blood draws when they are new.  I have successfully drawn labs from Midlines, in homecare and LTC. Sometimes, this is the ONLY option you have, as the patient is too bruised (usually my LTC pts) or have too small, spidery veins that are difficult to access and actually get enough blood for a sample from.  It may not be the best choice, if the pt has a good AC, I would recommend a peripheral draw from there, but if not... I would flush before and after w/10cc NS and heparin if needed after, and draw slowly.  Some will give a vigorus blood return, some will not give any at all. Chris Cavanaugh, CRNI ----- Original Message ----- From: Lynn Hadaway <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2006 6:00 pm Subject: Re: Lab Draws from Mid-line Catheters To: "Thompson,Judith C" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "'[EMAIL PROTECTED]'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > It should not be done. No studies support this practice. Midlines > are > in a peripheral vein with a much smaller diameter than the SVC and > no > data on what this practice will do to the survival of the catheter > until end of therapy. Lynn > > At 11:54 AM -0700 8/9/06, Thompson,Judith C wrote: > >I'd love to hear your view point's on drawing labs from Mid-line > catheters? > > -- > Lynn Ha! daway, M.