Which technique is essential to reduce infection risk during IV placement?

Applying antiseptic and sterile technique is essential to reduce infection risk during IV placement because it helps to maintain a clean and safe environment for the procedure. The use of antiseptic solutions on the skin prior to insertion significantly decreases the microbial load. This is critical because the skin is home to a variety of bacteria, and breaking that barrier with an IV can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream if proper precautions are not taken.

Maintaining a sterile technique throughout the process, which includes using sterile equipment and ensuring that the area around the IV site remains uncontaminated, further minimizes the risk of infection. By adhering to these practices, healthcare providers can effectively prevent complications such as local infections and systemic infections, including bacteremia and sepsis, which can arise from improper IV placement.

In contrast, using a tourniquet, while necessary for palpating veins, does not directly influence infection risk. Wearing gloves is a protective measure but must be accompanied by other sterile techniques to ensure full protection. Using non-sterile equipment directly contradicts infection control principles and significantly increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the bloodstream. Therefore, emphasizing antiseptic application and sterile technique is fundamental in IV placement procedures.