From the Research
Recommended Frequency for Changing Midline Intravenous (IV) Access
- The recommended frequency for changing midline intravenous (IV) access is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the duration of midline catheter use is discussed 1, 2, 3.
- Midline catheters are typically used for 2 to 6 weeks, with some studies suggesting they can last for months 1.
- The Infusion Nurses Society's standards of practice recommend midline catheters for intravenous fluids that would normally be administered through a short peripheral IV, but do not specify a recommended frequency for changing the midline catheter 1.
- Studies on the efficacy and safety of midline catheters have reported median indwelling times ranging from 7 to 16.7 days, with complication-free catheter rates of 92.9% and 65.5% at 5 and 28 days, respectively 2, 3.
- Other studies have investigated the optimal frequency for replacing intravenous administration sets, with some suggesting that delaying replacement up to 7 days may be safe and cost-effective for patients at low risk of infection 4, 5.
- However, these studies do not specifically address the recommended frequency for changing midline IV access, and more research may be needed to determine the optimal frequency for changing midline catheters 1, 2, 3.