Australian researchers have advised that the removal of the peripheral intravenous (iv) catheters should depend upon clinical guidelines instead of removing them after every 72 to 92 hours. This will not only be beneficial for patients but also will be cost-effective.

Lead researcher Claire Rickard, from Griffith University, in Nathan, Queensland, asserted that of the estimated 200 million catheters used in the US alone, only 15% were required for over three days; then modifications made in the clinically required replacement would help avoid as many as six million unnecessary [iv] catheter insertions.

This will turn out to be a benefit for the staff, as about 2 million hours of their time will be saved. Nevertheless, at least US$ 60 million [_ 46 million] will be saved from the health care cost spent annually.

The research published in The Lancet, emphasized that the data subjected highlights that even after replacing the catheters at regular intervals, it will not help in avoiding the complications associated rather, it would be a reason for the unnecessary procedures included.

The team of researchers said, "Updated [iv] catheter policies should advocate clinically indicated removal - ie, to monitor and immediately remove [iv] catheters for complications or as soon as treatment is complete".