RESOURCE CENTER
WHAT IS AN IV?
Intravenous Therapy (or IV Therapy for short) is the infusion of liquid substances in to a vein (Intravenous means: in vein). IV’s may be used to correct electrolyte imbalances, deliver medications, blood transfusion or as simple fluid delivery to correct, for example, dehydration. IV Therapy can also be used for chemotherapy. Approximately 40% of all medications administered are given intravenously.
IV Therapy is still the fastest way, and current status quo, to deliver fluids and medications to the human body.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED STANDARD RISK?
Inherently an injection causes pain and could lead to other complications such as the risk of infection. Issues common to these types of skin breaks and vein access are the potential for infiltration, phlebitis, and other associated infection risks, Alternatively risk of dislodgment of the IV itself poses a risk; which can fall anywhere between 10% – 25% of all IV’s becoming accidentally dislodged due to tension based events.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THE ORCHID SRV?
Accidental dislodgment of an IV catheter happens often in health care, and can lead to increased rates of infection, patient emotional trauma, and safety concerns. By utilizing the Orchid SRV between the administration tubing and extension set, dislodgment rates will decrease when tension is placed on the line.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT TO SEPARATE?
When 3.25lbs of tension is placed on the line, the Orchid SRV is designed to separate and seal at both ends. The Pigskin Analog Study shows that even with securement it takes between 4-8lbs to dislodge a PIV. The Orchid SRV is designed to separate prior to causing any dislodgment force at the site. It is engineered to not activate too easily to ensure there are no flow issues.
ARE THERE OTHER RESOURCES I CAN LOOK INTO?
There is no shortage of resources to learn more about IV therapy. A few have been listed below for reference:
Infusion Nurses Society – www.ins1.org
Association for Vascular Access – www.avainfo.org
Royal College of Nursing – Standards for Infusion Therapy – www.rcn.org.uk