Drawing blood from a peripheral intravenous cannula and its effect on cannula dwell time, phlebitis, and bloodstream infection: A randomised controlled study

Background

Routine blood sampling can be conducted using venepuncture, inserting a new peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC), or utilising an existing one. The practice of blood sampling from a cannula requires handling and movement of the cannula bung. It is discouraged due to safety concerns linked to increased risk of phlebitis, infection, or reduced dwell time.

Aim

To assess cannula dwell time, the prevalence of phlebitis, and bloodstream infection when using a PIVC compared with venepuncture for blood sampling.

Design

A randomised controlled study. Reporting followed CONSORT recommendations.

Methods

Adult patients admitted to the emergency department whose health condition required a blood sample to be drawn and insertion of a PIVC were screened for eligibility between May and July 2022. Participants were randomised to either have blood sampled by venepuncture as the control or drawn through the PIVC as the intervention. Follow-up occurred on day three post emergency department presentation.

Results

One hundred and five participants were randomised of whom 50 had blood sampled by venepuncture and 55 through the PIVC. No difference was observed in cannula dwell time, prevalence of phlebitis, or signs of bloodstream infection.

Conclusion

This study showed PIVC outcomes were no different when the PIVC was used to sample blood compared with participants whose blood was sampled by venepuncture.