Make difficult IV starts easy? Transilluminator

7 posts · started Apr 9, 2008

NICU/ER RN Apr 9, 2008, 2:37 PM

I started using a thing called a transilluminator for difficult IV sticks and it is great. I got it off of eBay. Has anyone used a similar device so far and if so, what kind and what did you think of it?
The one I got was off eBay for only $20, do an ebay search for "Transilluminator". Has anyone used that one?
It seems to be a great help in my IV starts and has sure made my job easier.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

cougarnurse Apr 9, 2008, 2:40 PM

I know some places use them; heard they are good. We have to start our own, or call the lab. :p

AmandaWIRN Apr 9, 2008, 11:48 PM

When I worked in Peds we used them all the time. The light from an otoscope works just as well, too.

Ricu Apr 14, 2008, 1:20 PM

Hmm... I remember when those things were only used in neonatalogy for rapid diagnosis of IVH and pneumothorax. I never thought of using a transilluminator for IV starts. We have a Sonosite on the unit and I've been tempted to use that in such cases. My favorite difficult start is the 85 year old with anasrca and I bet the big light would be great for finding those skinny little brittle veins floating around in all that water. Amanda, I will try the otoscope- great idea.

R

NICU/ER RN Apr 15, 2008, 3:01 AM

Watch using an otoscope; it will get hot and burn a patient.

AmandaWIRN Apr 15, 2008, 11:09 AM

The newer otoscopes don't get too hot, just watch it with the older ones....

Ricu Apr 15, 2008, 9:14 PM

Thanks for the input about heat generation. I'll be careful.

R