Current guidelines in England are to routinely re-site peripheral cannulas every 72-96 hours. However, recent studies have challenged the need for routine re-cannulation, producing evidence that the risk may actually be increased because the skin integrity is breached more frequently.

Can nurses insert cannula?

It has been suggested that cannula insertion is perhaps a medical task as doctors are more familiar with surgical procedures. It has been shown tha- nurses adhere more strictly to procedural aspects of IV therapy, such as washing hands (Grundy 1996).

Can nurses do Bloods?

Other clinical staff able to take bloods may include student nurses, associate nurses, trainee phlebotomists, and medical students. There will also be times when phlebotomy is carried out by paramedics, and trainee paramedics. However, there are also specialists who focus specifically on this procedure.