**The Expense of Surplus Peripheral IV Catheters in the U.S. Healthcare Sector**

Peripheral IV catheters (PIVCs) are frequently placed in patients even when not urgently required, resulting in significant financial inefficiencies within healthcare. This practice, often not driven by clinical requirements, prompts concerns over resource allocation and financial effects.

**Extent of the Issue**

Around 300 million PIVCs are placed in the U.S. each year across various healthcare environments. A meta-analysis conducted in 2025 indicated a median unused PIVC rate of 26.7% in the U.S. This statistic reveals that 75 million PIVCs are inserted but do not see use every year.

**Financial Consequences of Unused PIVCs**

1. **Material Costs**: Supplies needed for PIVC placement, such as catheters, tubing, and gloves, amount to roughly $15 per insertion. Repeated attempts significantly inflate these costs.

2. **Labor Costs**: The process of inserting a PIVC generally takes about 10 minutes, incurring a labor cost of $12.50 per PIVC, based on an average nursing wage of $50 per hour.

3. **Record Keeping and Supervision**: Continuous upkeep for unused PIVCs includes documentation and dressing, totaling approximately $3.56 per catheter.

The overall cost per unused IV is roughly $31.06, resulting in an annual financial burden of approximately $2.4 billion for unnecessary PIVCs in the U.S.

**Tackling the Problem with EHR-driven Solutions**

Adopting electronic health record (EHR) systems with decision-support capabilities may help decrease unwarranted PIVC insertions. Such systems can automate and enhance the assessment of catheter need, potentially saving the U.S. healthcare system close to $2.4 billion each year.

_Piyush Pillarisetti is a medical student._