4 Saline-lock versus continuous infusion: maintaining peripheral intravenous catheter access in children

Background Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is a painful and invasive procedure performed on most paediatric patients. In children, PIVCs are maintained by either a continuous infusion of fluid “to keep vein open” (TKVO) or a saline-lock (SL). There is little uniformity between pediatric centres as to which method is used, and evidence is required to decide which method, if any, best maintains PIVC access.