Determining optimal waste volume from an intravenous catheter

J Infus Nurs. 2013 Mar-Apr;36(2):92-6. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0b013e318282a4c2.

Abstract

Waste is blood drawn from an intravenous (IV) catheter to remove saline or heparin before obtaining a blood sample. This study examines the minimum waste volume resulting in an undiluted sample. A repeated-measures design was used. Investigators placed an IV catheter in 60 healthy adults and obtained samples at baseline and following waste volumes ranging from 0.5 to 3 mL. A random effects mixed model was used to determine the stabilizing point, which was 1 mL of waste. Knowing that only 1 mL of waste is needed will prevent clinicians from obtaining extra waste and discarding blood needlessly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Catheterization, Peripheral*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous*
  • Male
  • Reference Values