[optimal] Re: When to remove needle

  • From: "Cavicchi, Robert" <Robert.Cavicchi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2011 10:32:20 -0400

We use the same procedure as John describes below...

Removal of the needle immediately following the injection and we don't have any 
patient complaints about stinging/pain.

No problems acquiring the A-V phase either.

bob

From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On 
Behalf Of Peterson John C
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 10:27 AM
To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optimal] Re: When to remove needle

We always remove the needle right away. I believe that some of the "ouch" you 
describe is the sting from FA dye left in the needle. We routinely draw back a 
bit of blood to clear the dye out of the needle bore.

No complaints from our patients so far.

********
John C. Peterson, BS, CRA
Director of Ophthalmic Photography Services
UW Health Eye Clinic
2880 University Ave., Rm. 246
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-7163


________________________________
From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On 
Behalf Of Richard Morrone
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:14 AM
To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optimal] When to remove needle

Hello all,

After decades of performing FA's I have recently received resistance from 
nursing at one facility regarding my request that the nurse not remove the 
butterfly during the first minute or two so as not to distract the patient 
during the rapid sequence of flashes in an FA.

I have had patients look down at the arm or be startled or even say "ouch!" 
when the needle is pulled.  Nursing does not believe that that would occur.

They seemed concerned about the metal needle of our 23g butterfly being left 
in, and they want to remove the needle immediately after injecting.  They said 
that to do otherwise would put the patient at risk.  So much for getting the 
A-V phase with all of that activity occurring.

I could suggest the use of angiocaths (with the soft plastic needle/sleeve) to 
address the metal needle concern, but they do cost more.

Does anyone have a sample protocol that mentions when the "needle" is removed?  
 Or... can you just describe your procedure?

Thanks,

Richard Morrone, C.R.A.


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