Breaking Down The Benefits Of Intraosseous Access: Your Guide To Simpler, Faster Blood Sampling

Intraosseous (IO) access is a medical procedure that has been around since World War I, but the technology wasn’t widely used until recently. It’s quickly becoming the preferred method of blood sampling for medical professionals due to its simplicity, speed and safety. But what exactly is IO access, how does it work and why are so many hospitals now using it? This blog post breaks down the benefits of intraosseous access so you can have a better understanding of this life-saving technique and why it’s becoming the go-to choice for medical professionals. 

The Benefits of Intraosseous Access

Intraosseous access is a route of administration for fluids and medications that bypasses the circulatory system and directly enters the marrow of the bone. This makes it an attractive option for medical professionals when time is of the essence, as it can be performed quickly and easily. There are many benefits to intraosseous access including:- Faster administration of fluids and medications- Intraosseous access allows fluids and medications to be administered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the circulatory system. This means that they take effect more quickly than if they were injected into a vein. Easy to perform- Intraosseous access can be performed quickly and easily, even by non-medical personnel with minimal training. Safe- Intraosseous access is considered a safe route of administration, with a low risk of complications. Can be used in patients of all ages- Intraosseous access can be used in patients of all ages, including infants and children.

Faster Blood Sampling Procedure

One of the main benefits of intraosseous access is that it provides a much faster way to collect blood samples. This is especially important in emergency situations where time is of the essence. With traditional methods, such as venipuncture, it can take up to a minute or more to collect a sufficient amount of blood. With intraosseous access, however blood can be collected in as little as 10-15 seconds. This faster procedure also means that medical professionals can spend less time on each patient, which can be critical in busy Emergency Departments. In addition, it minimizes the risk of needle-stick injuries for both patients and staff.

How to Perform Intraosseous Access

Intraosseous access is a process of accessing the bone marrow for intravenous treatment. It is a faster and simpler way to administer IV fluids and medications, as well as to draw blood samples. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the bone, usually the tibia or humerus and injecting the medication or drawing out the desired amount of blood. The first step in performing intraosseous access is to sterilize the area with an antiseptic solution. Next, using a small-gauge needle insert the needle into the bone at a 45-degree angle. Once the needle is in place, advance it until you feel resistance; this indicates that you have reached the marrow cavity. If you are drawing blood, attach a syringe to the needle and withdraw the desired amount of blood. If you are administering medication connect an IV line to the needle and inject the medication. Once you have finished, remove the needle and apply pressure to the area with a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.

Complications and Risks Associated with Intraosseous Access

There are some complications and risks associated with intraosseous access that medical professionals should be aware of. These include: Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the needle insertion, as well as the potential for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is why it's important to clean the area thoroughly before inserting the needle. Bleeding: There is also a risk of bleeding both at the site of needle insertion and internally if the needle hits a blood vessel. Pain: Some patients may experience pain during or after needle insertion. This can usually be alleviated with topical analgesics or local anesthesia. Fractures: In rare cases, fractures can occur at the site of needle insertion especially in children whose bones are still growing.

Conclusion

Intraosseous access offers medical professionals a simpler, faster way to draw blood samples. With the information provided in this guide, you now have an understanding of why it is such a valuable tool for medical professionals and how they can utilize it in their practice. The benefits are numerous and include improved patient safety, reduced time spent drawing blood samples, increased accuracy of results, fewer complications post-procedure and more. As intraosseous access continues to gain popularity among healthcare providers around the world, we expect that even more advantages will be revealed over time.