Evidence-based protocols for vascular access teams. Standardized procedures built on clinical research and institutional best practices.
Standardize for your teamEstablishes standards for the warming of blood products, intravenous fluids, and contrast media, including device requirements, temperature limits, prohibited methods, monitoring obligations, and quality assurance for all patient populations including neonates.
Establishes requirements for the securement of all vascular access devices to prevent complications associated with dislodgement and movement at the insertion site, including acceptable securement methods, device-specific guidance, and assessment standards.
Establishes baseline infection prevention standards applicable to all patient care activities regardless of diagnosis, including personal protective equipment selection and use, respiratory hygiene, equipment cleaning and disinfection, and care practices across transitional settings.
Establishes standards for hemodialysis vascular access device selection, vessel health and preservation, access hierarchy, infection prevention, hub care, AVF/AVG cannulation, catheter locking solutions, and patient education for patients receiving or anticipated to receive hemodialysis.
Evidence-based guidance for recognizing anatomical nerve injury risks during vascular access procedures, employing preventive strategies, and managing nerve-related complications.
Evidence-based standards for safe blood and blood component administration including patient blood management, informed consent, pre-transfusion assessment, product verification protocols, administration procedures, monitoring, adverse reaction recognition and management, and out-of-hospital transfusion requirements.
Establishes standards for the selection and application of vascular visualization technology—including ultrasound, near-infrared, and visible light devices—to improve vascular access insertion success and reduce complications across all patient populations.
Establishes requirements for selection, disinfection, flushing and clamping sequences, replacement intervals, and infection prevention practices for all needleless connectors used on peripheral and central vascular access devices.
Standards of practice for the prevention, recognition, and management of infiltration and extravasation from peripheral and central vascular access devices, including antidote protocols.
Establishes evidence-based criteria for the selection and planning of vascular access devices across all device types and patient populations, from short peripheral catheters through central venous access devices and arterial catheters.