We changed our practice on the standard duration of peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIC) from 4 days to 7 days, following the publication of the revised Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data regarding the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and phlebitis related to PIC during the 6 months after revision of the practice were collected and analyzed. Two BSIs were observed among 989 lines

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... during 2,784 total line days, resulting in an incidence of 0.72 per 1000 line days. Both BSIs occurred on the third day of catheterization. Fourteen cases of phlebitis were detected. The incidence of phlebitis was similar within three days after catheterization and thereafter. Therefore, routine replacement of the catheter on the third to fourth day of PIC was not necessary. Replacement of the catheter on the seventh day is recommended to reduce the pain of procedures caused to the patient as well as the burden on the healthcare staŠ.