Caring for my Cannula

This patient guide answers some commonly asked questions about your cannula.

What is a cannula and where will the cannula be put?

An intravenous cannula is a small plastic tube which is inserted into a vein. A cannula is most commonly inserted into your hand or arm.
A cannula is used to allow medication or fluid to be given directly into a vein.

You may discuss possible alternatives with the staff that are looking after you. However, some treatments can only be given through a cannula.

A trained staff member will follow a number of steps when inserting your cannula. These steps include:

The cannula will be well with a see-through dressing. There is usually no need for the cannula to be bandaged.
A cannula may fall out if the dressing becomes loose.
Please inform staff if the dressing becomes loose.

There is a risk of infection with any procedure that punctures the skin.
A cannula can sometimes cause irritation of the vein.
Difficult or unsuccessful insertions can cause bruising, clots, cannula dislodgment or delay treatment.

Ongoing care of your cannula is important to prevent infection. Therefore it is necessary that:

Hands are cleaned with soap and water or alcohol hand rub before and after touching the cannula and attached ‘lines’
The cannula is checked routinely for signs of irritation, infection or blockage.
The dressing is kept clean and intact.
To reduce the risk of complications, the dressing should be marked with the date that it is inserted. The insertion of the cannula should be documented in your file.

Try not to touch the cannula or play with the coloured cap.
Keep the dressing and cannula clean and dry.
Protect the cannula from knocks or from being pulled.
Wash your hands after going to the toilet.
Tell the nurse, midwife or doctor if you: Experience pain, feel hot, cold or shivery, see redness, leaking or swelling around the insertion or connections.
Tell the nurses if you feel something is wrong with your cannula or if you think the cannula is not needed anymore.
The dressing is waterproof; however, we recommend that you try to avoid soaking the cannula. After showering or washing carefully pat the cannula site dry
Do not be afraid to remind staff to clean their hands before touching your cannula if they have forgotten.

In adults a cannula will normally be removed when no longer needed. The cannula may be removed earlier if a problem occurs.
When the cannula has been taken out, the place where it has been may feel slightly bruised. This sensation can last for up to one week and is quite normal. The dressing which is put over the site after removal can usually be taken off within a couple of hours.
If there is any swelling, pain, redness or discharge from the site after removal, please tell your nurse or your local GP.
A cannula is normally removed before you are discharged from the hospital.
You may be discharged from hospital with a cannula if treatment is to continue at home. A community nurse will then monitor your cannula.