Bloodstream infection risk rises sharply after 3 days of peripheral IV catheter use, suggesting replacement by day 4 may help prevent serious complications.

Commentary on a study comparing clinically indicated peripheral intravenous catheter replacement with routine replacement, published September 2012 in The Lancet.

Peripheral intravenous catheter-related blood stream infection is a less frequent but serious complication, occurring in about 1 in 6000 intravenous catheters.