Medication administration via the umbilical arterial catheter: a survey of standard practices and review of the literature

Abstract

A survey of 100 institutions was conducted regarding the use of medications through the umbilical artery catheter (UAC). Of the 63 institutions that responded, 40 allow medication administration through the UAC. Data were collected on which medications were believed to be safe and those believed not to be safe for administration through the UAC. Responders were also asked to comment on any problems related to particular medications, who administered the medications, the method of administration, and the preferred placement of the tip of the catheter.