Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Dwell Times A Comparison of 3 Securement Methods for Implementation of a 96-Hour Scheduled Change Protocol

A prospective, sequential clinical trial was undertaken to determine whether any of 3 methods of peripheral IV catheter (PIV) securement could extend the average survival time of such catheters sufficiently to allow the implementation of a 96-hour PIV change-protocol. Nonsterile tape, StatLock, and HubGuard were evaluated. The use of nonsterile tape securement resulted in an 8% PIV survival rate, HubGuard produced a 9% PIV survival rate, and Statlock produced a 52% PIV survival rate (P < .001). Although this study was not a randomized, controlled trial, it strongly suggests that a mechanical catheter securement device, as opposed to tape or die-cut tape, can render practicable the implementation of the 96-hour PIV change protocol that was sanctioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.