Efficacy of securing cannulae with different taping methods

This study compared locally available adhesive tapes and dressings in a blo ck randomized, blinded study to determine the force required to dislodge a cannula. In the first stage of the study, various tapes and taping methods were used to secure a cannula to a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe. The cannul a was attached to a section of a giving set which in turn was attached to a dynamic force transducer The force required to dislodge the cannula, toget her with the methods of dislodgement were recorded. In stage two the best t aping technique for each type of tape was tested by attaching a cannula to the surface of the forearm of an adult male volunteer Of the tapes tested w e found Leukoplast(R) to be the most effective tape for securing the cannul a to the PVC model. On the adult forearm Sleek(TM) was as effective as Leuk oplast(R). Orientating the tape parallel to the long axis of the cannula an d taping the cannula hub-giving set connection both improved the adherence of the cannula. Under the conditions tested, sterile adhesive dressings and tapes were relatively ineffective in securing the cannulae.