Arterial catheters: promoting safe clinical practice.

Arterial catheters are commonly used to monitor blood pressure continuously and to take blood gas samples from patients in intensive care units. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) issued a rapid response report in 2008 because of a number of incidents related to their use. This article describes the risks associated with the use of arterial catheters and outlines the recommendations made by the NPSA to promote safe practice.