Perform intravenous cannulation

This standard relates specifically to the insertion of intravenous cannula to facilitate access to the blood system for treatment or diagnostic purposes.  Access may be required for serial sampling, or for administration of fluid or drug treatments.  This procedure may be performed with adults or children and will usually take place in hospital with individuals receiving health care.  It may also take place in a therapeutic, research or emergency situation.

---

1. ​access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
8. determine the individual's need or clinical request for cannulation against agreed protocol
9. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned activity
10. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
11. seek clinical advice and support from an appropriate member of the team when events or risks are beyond your level of competence
12. select an appropriate site for cannulation, taking account of individual's comfort and mobility
13. prepare the selected site for aseptic insertion of the intravenous cannula following agreed protocol, administering the appropriate local anaesthetic if prescribed
14. correctly position and use a tourniquet to engorge the selected vein with blood
15. select the cannula of correct size and type for individual and purpose, ensuring it is fit for use
16. insert the cannula into the selected vein using the approved technique and confirm correct siting, positioning and patency of cannula for the intended purpose
17. apply an approved dressing to fix the cannula in position
18. where appropriate, flush the cannula when in situ according to organisational protocols and guidelines
19. attach and secure the correct giving set where infusion is required following approved procedures
20. immediately report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the procedure and take appropriate action
21. maintain the cannulation site at regular intervals to avoid infection and maintain access
22. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

---

1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to performing intravenous cannulation **and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. current evidence based practice related to the management of risks associated with the insertion of intravenous cannulae
14. the importance of maintaining strict asepsis when preparing, inserting and managing intravenous cannulae
15. the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system in relation to the insertion and maintenance of intravenous cannulae
16. the importance of correct preparation and positioning of individuals for insertion of intravenous cannulae
17. the indications and reasons for intravenous cannulation
18. potential sites for insertion of intravenous cannulae and how to identify the most suitable for the individual
19. the factors influencing the choice of cannulae and the site for intravenous cannulation
20. the importance of limb immobilisation prior to the insertion of intravenous cannulae
21. the importance of appropriate skin preparation, including the use of depilatory cream if required
22. the importance, and approved methods, of controlling and stopping blood flow prior to intravenous cannulation
23. the possible adverse reactions to the insertion of intravenous cannulae
24. the actions you will need to take in the event of adverse reactions to the insertion of intravenous cannulae
25. the importance of and the methods of cleaning and maintaining the cannula site following insertion of cannulae
26. the clinical indications of infection in the insertion site and the actions you would take if signs of infection are apparent
27. the implications of introducing fluids into the circulatory system when flushing cannula
28. the approved methods of checking the patency of inserted cannula
29. the procedures for preparing fluids for administration including drug additions
30. The potential complications associated with fluid administration
31. the different types of administration sets available and the circumstances when each may be used
32. the uses and potential hazards associated with the use of infusion pumps
33. the types of cannulae and the range of sizes available
34. the types of infusion available and their characteristics, indications and contra-indications
35. the different types of infusion pumps available and the circumstances when they may be used
36. the importance of correctly recording your activities including type of cannula inserted and intravenous fluids administered
37. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

2

---

2026

---

Current

---

Original

---

Skills for Health

---

SFHCHS22

---

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

---

2259

---

Intravenous, cannulation

---