IV Education and Venipuncture Certification for Radiology Technologists

This course has been designed to provide basic conceptual and operational knowledge to Radiology Technicians, MRI Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists, and Sonographers who have had limited exposure to infusion therapy principles and practice.  As the science of infusion therapy advances and technology expands, it is imperative that all healthcare clinicians practicing infusion therapy remain current in their knowledge of infusion therapies, principles, techniques, equipment, and the latest in infusion evidence-based practices. 

Intravenous administration of contrast materials in the radiology setting brings forth another aspect to intravenous protocols and procedures. A Radiology Technologist may administer intravenous contrast media under the general supervision of a physician. In order to provide for the safe administration of contrast media, those persons administering contrast media and those performing the diagnostic imaging procedures must have an understanding of the indications for use of contrast media, the equipment needed for safe administration, as well as the potential risks and side effects and its management.

Many governing boards require the Radiology Technologist to have infusion therapy and venipuncture education after licensure. These requirements vary by state and governing board. This course provides 10 hours of didactic education and the skill check-off lists for all infusion related procedures and these are available in the course to print out and completion with a preceptor. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the healthcare provider's employer, facility or institution, with a preceptor. The number of times a procedure must be repeated to demonstrate competency will be determined by the employer or as stipulated by the governing agency of the profession.

Videos are included as a teaching component of this course and the participant will be required to have available access to YouTube to view the videos.

If you are a California Rad Tech, this course does not include the required first aid education. Please see the IV Education and Venipuncture Certification for California Radiology Technologists course!

Questions? Check out our FAQs page and How Online IV Certification Works!

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify infusion related complications, causes and appropriate treatment.
  2. Identify methods of infection control related to IV therapy.
  3. Demonstrate IV insertion, catheter removal, and Infusion related procedures.
  4. Review anatomy and physiology of the vessels used for the administration of contrast media.
  5. List the appropriate steps in establishing an IV infusion.
  6. List the standard components of an anti-anaphylaxis tray.
  7. List appropriate treatments of contrast media reactions.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Legal Issues

  • Regulatory Agencies and Governing Bodies 
  • Components of a Complete Order 
  • Legal Terms and Applications 
  • Protective Measures for Guarding Against Malpractice Lawsuits

Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology

  • The Vascular System: Veins, Arteries and Bone Marrow 
  • The Three Layers of the Vessels and Their Function 
  • Differentiating Arteries from Veins
  • Veins Used in Peripheral Intravenous Therapy for Pediatrics and Adults
  • Intraosseous
  • Skin ‐ Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 3:  Psychological Needs of the IV Patient

  • Age Specific Needs
  • Elderly Patient Needs 
  • Cultural Aspects
  • Patients with Sensory Deficits 
  • Methods of Reducing Patient Anxiety 
  • Patient Teaching/Education

Chapter 4: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

  • Water: The Primary Fluid of the Body
  • Hypovolemia—Dehydration: Assessment, Causes, Treatments 
  • Hypervolemia—Fluid Overload: Assessment, Causes, Treatments 
  • Fluid Compartments
  • Electrolyte Imbalances: Assessment, Causes, Treatments

Chapter 5: pH, Osmolality and Incompatibilities of Solutions and Medications

  • pH of Intravenous Solutions and Medications
  • Tonicity: Isotonic Solutions, Hypotonic Solutions and Hypertonic Solutions Incompatibilities
  • Contrast Agent Osmolaility

Chapter 6: Fluid Regulation

  • Methods of Fluid Regulation
  • Patient Considerations in Fluid Regulation
  • External Factors that Affect the Rate of Flow 
  • Calculation of IV flow Rates

Chapter 7: Infection Prevention and Safety Compliance

  • Hand Hygiene
  • Sharps Management
  • Medical Waste Disposal
  • Durable Medical Equipment Disinfection
  • Standard Precautions
  • Transmission-Based Precautions

Chapter 8: Vascular Visualization

  • Trans-illuminator Technology
  • Near Infrared Technology
  • Ultrasound

Chapter 9: Site Selection and Device Placement

  • Criteria For Peripheral Devices
  • 3 Types of Peripheral Access And Criteria For Placement
  • Special Considerations of The Specific Age Groups
  • General Considerations of Short Peripheral Access 
  • Veins to Avoid

Chapter 10: Vascular Access Device Management

  • Needleless Connectors
  • Filtration
  • Add-on Devices
  • VAD Stabilization
  • Joint Stabilization
  • Site Protection
  • Flushing and Locking
  • Assessment, Care, and Dressing Changes
  • Administration Set Changes

Chapter 11: Complications

  • Local Complications 
  • Hematoma
  • Infiltration
  • Extravasation
  • Phlebitis
  • Site Infection
  • Catheter Occlusion
  • MARSI
  • Nerves - Avoiding Damage
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Systemic Complications

Chapter 12: Procedures Guides and Videos

  • Pre-insertion Procedures
  • Peripheral IV Insertion
  • Primary/Hydration Administration Set-up
  • Catheter Discontinuation

Chapter 13: Assessment and Documentation

  • Catheter Insertion Documentation 
  • Catheter Removal Documentation
  • Assessment, Monitoring and Documentation 

Chapter 14: Treatment of Contrast Reactions

  • Identifying Mild, Moderate and Severe Reactions
  • Acute Contrast Reaction Management
  • Anti-Anaphylaxis Trays

Chapter 15: Resources

  • Skill Check-Off Lists:
    • Peripheral IV Insertion
    • Large Volume Electronic Infusion Device
    • IV Push

Chapter 16: References

Price: $100.00

Contact Hours: 8

Course Author

Capra Garrison

Capra Garrison, Registered Nurse, has more than 33 years of experience in infusion therapy and the instruction of licensed nurses in infusion therapy continuing education. Her experience comes from multiple infusion settings: acute care, ambulatory infusion centers, home infusion, long term care continuing education provider, and long term care pharmacy quality assurance consultant.

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Course Accreditation

The AVIR is a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This educational activity is approved by the AVIR for ARRT Category A+ Credit for 8.00 contact hours. CE accreditation approval date 10/09/2023 through 10/09/2026. 

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