What is the longest time an IV catheter should remain in place before it is replaced?

In veterinary practice, an intravenous (IV) catheter is a critical tool used for administering medications, fluids, and for blood sampling. The duration for which an IV catheter can safely remain in place is guided by infection control protocols and the clinical needs of the patient.

The recommendation for keeping an IV catheter in place without replacement typically does not exceed 96 hours. This limit helps to minimize the risk of catheter-related infections and complications such as phlebitis or thrombosis. By limiting the time an IV catheter is in place, it reduces the chance for pathogens to colonize the catheter and enter the bloodstream.

While catheters can sometimes be left in place for less than 96 hours in certain scenarios with closer monitoring, 96 hours is a standard maximum guideline that is widely accepted in both human and veterinary medicine. A greater duration, such as 120 hours or more, could significantly increase the risk of complications, which reinforces the importance of adhering to the established time limits for IV catheter maintenance.