Researcher Claire Rickard and colleagues at the Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, have been claiming that removal of catheters only when needed would be much more beneficial than every 72 to 96 hours, as per a new report published in The Lancet.

The team found that each year, there is a need to insert some 200 million catheters in the USA. Also, some 15% of these are required for three days or more. Therefore, particular changes in clinically required replacement may help in prevention of unnecessary [iv] catheter insertions.

It is being said that routine replacement offers almost no help in preventing complications. Rather, unnecessary invasive procedures are often needed as a consequence. But, a change would not only allow 6 million needless peripheral intravenous (iv) catheters to be averted. It would benefit patients and in cost-cutting as well.

Some 3283 patients were enrolled for the study, all of whom were given either a clinically indicated catheter replacement or a routine third-day catheter replacement. It was found that iv catheter colonization rates differed slightly and 7% of patients had phlebitis in both the groups.

The group recommends, "Updated [iv] catheter policies should advocate clinically indicated removal – i. e., to monitor and immediately remove [iv] catheters for complications or as soon as treatment is complete”.