Check out last month's discussions! There were 7 questions and 19 answers in the CVAA community in January.

Thanks to all who share their knowledge! CVAA National members have access to the full discussions here:
 

> Asked Jan 2: My question is in relation to our community IV program. The concern is using a vaz cath (not for dialysis) for community antimicrobial therapy. Does anyone have a policy/procedure for outpatient IV therapy using a vaz cath? [1 reply to date]

> Asked Jan 3: I'd like to know if there is any guidelines to lock CVAD based on the type of connector. We use a neutral type and a team member suggested that we stop heparin and use only saline lock regardless of the valved or non-valved. Found nothing specific in INS 2016. [2 replies to date]

> Asked Jan 4: Administration of Vesicants via Peripheral IV [3 replies to date]

> Asked Jan 18: I am looking for an algorithm or another document who guides the good choice of the Central vascular access device in pediatric populations, with  specific criteria for each type of access  (ex; indications, dwell of treatment, risks factors for PICCs, Tunelled catheters,  ports, CVC, hemodyalisis and apheresis catheters...) We are preparing a preorder sheet to guide the team to chose the right access for the right patient. [no replies to date - can you help?]

> Asked Jan 20: Phlebotomists Starting PIV's [3 replies to date]
 

> Asked Jan 22: We are considering initiating midline IVs in our corporation. Of anyone who presently inserts them: 1. who does the insertion 2. do they use ultrasound guidance always or just with difficult starts 3. Do they wear complete sterile gown, with mask hat etc. like they would with PICC inserts? 4. did you notice an ^ in midline use over peripheral ie. do staff typically do to midline for those who are expected to have more lengthy treatment? [5 replies to date]

> Asked Jan 23: Looking for others thoughts on what is considered a 'first dose' of a parenteral medication (i.e IV antibiotic) in the community setting. Is it 'first dose ever'? As we know allergies can develop at anytime, is there a consensus to how long of interval the patient can go between doses for the medication to be considered a first dose again? Is there a best practice for the community setting - i.e If patient has not had the medication for 6 months, 12 months? [5 replies to date]

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