Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
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Multicenter Study
Saline Flush Test: Can Bedside Sonography Replace Conventional Radiography for Confirmation of Above-the-Diaphragm Central Venous Catheter Placement?
Resuscitation often requires rapid vascular access via central venous catheters. Chest radiography is the reference standard to confirm central venous catheter placement and exclude complications. However, radiographs are often untimely. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dynamic sonographic visualization of a saline flush in the right side of the heart after central venous catheter placement could serve as a more rapid confirmatory study for above-the-diaphragm catheter placement. ⋯ Confirmation of central venous catheter placement by dynamic sonographic visualization of a saline flush with exclusion of pneumothorax is an accurate, safe, and more efficient method than confirmation by chest radiography. It allows the central line to be used immediately, expediting patient care.