Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Using the Accuvein Device for Patients Who Are Difficult to Perfuse

This research is looking at a device called AccuVein, which helps nurses see veins more clearly. It's for people who often find it difficult to have a drip put in, perhaps because their veins are hard to find. We want to see if using the AccuVein makes it quicker and less painful to insert a drip compared to the standard method without the device. Patients taking part will be split into two groups by chance: one group will have the AccuVein used, and the other will have a drip inserted as usual. We'll be measuring how long it takes for the first attempt and how much pain people feel. This study aims to find a better way for nurses to put in drips for patients who really need them but have tricky veins.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Rouen

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Patient Who Are Difficult to Infuse

What is this study about?

Imagine you need a drip for medication or fluids, but the nurse finds it hard to find a vein. This can be frustrating and sometimes a bit uncomfortable for you, and it can also take more time for the nurse. This study is looking at a new device called AccuVein, which helps nurses see your veins under your skin more clearly.

The main goal of this research is to see if using the AccuVein device makes it easier, quicker, and less painful to put in a drip for people who have traditionally tricky veins. These might be people who are overweight, have darker skin, or older adults, among others. By using the AccuVein, we hope to improve the experience for these patients when they need to have a drip inserted.

We will compare two methods: one where the AccuVein device is used and one where the drip is inserted in the usual way without the device. The results from this study will help us understand if the AccuVein is a helpful tool for healthcare staff and if it can make a real difference for patients needing a drip. We want to find the best and most comfortable way to do this.

Key takeaways

Looks at a device (AccuVein) to help nurses find veins for drips.
Aims to make drip insertion quicker and less painful for people with 'tricky veins'.
Compares AccuVein use with the usual way of putting in a drip.
Participation involves one observation of a drip insertion attempt.
Helps improve care for patients needing drips in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. A nurse would also need to have tried to apply a special band (called a tourniquet) and judge that your veins are difficult to find for a drip. This might be the case for various reasons, such as if you are overweight, have darker skin, or are an older person with delicate skin. You'd also need a doctor's instruction for a drip and be part of a social security scheme, like the NHS.

For women who could become pregnant, you would need to be using reliable contraception, like birth control pills or an IUD, or already be past menopause (meaning you haven't had a period for 12 months). You would also need to read and understand the study information and sign a consent form.

However, you couldn't take part if you have certain conditions, such as burns on all your limbs, or if you need a drip so urgently that waiting for the study would put your health at risk. You also can't participate if you're unable to give your consent, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or in labour, or if you are in police custody or under certain legal protections.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Has a nurse often found it difficult to get a drip into your arm?
Do you currently need a drip prescribed by a doctor?
If you are a woman of childbearing age, are you using effective contraception or are you past menopause?
Are you able to provide your own consent to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first meet with the research team. They will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you have. If you agree, you'll sign a consent form. Then, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will have the nurse use the AccuVein device to help put in your drip, and the other group will have the nurse put in your drip in the usual way, without the device.

Once the nurse starts attempting to insert the drip, the research team will start a stopwatch. They will measure how long it takes for the first attempt to be successful or, if it's not successful, when the nurse removes the needle. After this first attempt, the nurse will ask you to rate any pain you felt on a scale from 0 to 10 (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst imaginable pain). If the first attempt isn't successful, the nurse will then decide how to proceed with finding a vein and inserting the drip.

That's generally all there is to it for your participation in this study – there are no extra appointments or medications involved beyond the single drip insertion attempt being observed. Your participation in the study begins and ends around the time of the drip insertion.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits. If you are in the group using the AccuVein device, it might mean the nurse finds your vein more quickly and easily, potentially leading to less discomfort or fewer attempts for the drip to be put in. For all participants, your involvement will help us learn more about the best ways to insert drips for people with tricky veins, which could benefit many patients in the future. As for potential risks, having a drip inserted can sometimes cause a little pain or bruising, regardless of whether the AccuVein is used or not. The researchers will do their best to keep you comfortable. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Rouen
Verified postcode
Rouen, France

Common questions

What is AccuVein?

AccuVein is a small device that uses a light to show nurses where your veins are, making them easier to spot under your skin.

Why is this study only for people with 'tricky veins'?

The study focuses on people who often find it harder to have a drip put in, as these patients might benefit the most from new tools like AccuVein.

Will I know if I'm getting the AccuVein or not?

You will be told which group you are in after you have agreed to take part, as this is part of the study design to compare the two methods.

What if the nurse can't find a vein on the first try?

If the first attempt isn't successful, the nurse will decide the best way to proceed to get your drip in, ensuring you receive the care you need.

Will taking part in this study cost me anything?

No, there are no costs to you for taking part in this study.

How to find out more

jessica bortzmeyer, nurse

jessica.bortzmeyer@chu-rouen.fr 02 32 88 86 94 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.