Securing methods for peripheral cannulae.

The use of a sterile transparent dressing (Venigard, Consolidated Medical Equipment, London) was compared to the use of a non-sterile tape (Mefix, Molnlycke, Sweden) for securing peripheral cannulae in paediatric patients. Children from all medical specialties were prospectively randomised into one of two groups. The failure of a cannula (defined as the removal of the cannula before treatment was completed) was plotted against duration in each of the two groups. Statistical tests (life table analysis) suggested no significant difference (p = > 0.05). The authors conclude that the use of a sterile transparent dressing secures peripheral cannula as effectively as non-sterile tape.