Upper Arm Versus Forearm Placement of Long Peripheral Catheters for Blood Sampling: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

The impact of site selection on blood sampling and catheter functionality for long peripheral catheters (LPCs) is unclear.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of LPCs placed in the upper arm vs the forearm.

METHODS

A single-site, randomized trial was conducted among adult patients requiring an LPC for difficult venous access or prolonged therapy. Participants were randomized to receive an 8 cm, 20-gauge LPC in either the forearm or upper arm. Outcomes included blood sampling success, catheter survival, and catheter-associated thrombosis.

RESULTS

Among 88 patients, blood sampling failure was common, with no significant difference between forearm (83.3%) and upper arm (78.1%) groups (P = .769). Mean dwell time (74.27 vs 115.52 hours, P = .394) and time to first blood sampling failure (70.19 vs 112.90 hours, P = .359) were similar. While overall blood sampling success and thrombosis rates did not differ, trends favored upper arm placement over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no statistically significant differences in blood sampling capability or functionality between placement sites.