Arterial line alert

August 12, 2008

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The NPSA have reported “Arterial lines are routinely used in critical care areas for sampling arterial blood to measure blood gases, glucose and electrolytes.

Patients may be harmed if the wrong infusion is given to keep the line open or when poor sampling leads to delayed or inappropriate treatment.

The NPSA is aware of two deaths and 82 other incidents up to June 2008 where the wrong infusion fluid was attached to the arterial line. A further 76 incidents, including one case of serious harm, related to faulty sampling technique”.

Visit the NPSA for the full details.