Arterial line use reviewed following increasing reports of poor sampling

30 Jul 2008

A rapid response report regarding guidelines for arterial line use has been issued to the UK medical profession and is due to be implemented in early 2009.

The report has been issued by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) following reports of large numbers of incidents regarding wrong infusions via an arterial line. Whilst in recent years it is reported that a number of individuals have been seriously injured, there have also been reports of two deaths which have fuelled concerns regarding patient safety.

The aim of the report is to ensure that sampling from arterial lines is only carried out by fully trained staff; arterial lines are identified clearly; any infusion is prescribed and checked before administration; and infusion bags are clearly marked. The procedures have been reviewed to prevent wrong infusion and to reduce risk of treatment delays because of poor sampling.

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