Correction

Following an item of correspondence, the authors of the guidelines 1 agree that the evidence for pH being an important determinant for suitability for peripheral intravenous administration of fluids is equivocal and limited.

Therefore, the authors would like to correct the following advice given in the section on peripheral cannulation:

Peripheral insertion is inappropriate for infusion of fluid with high osmolality (> 500 mOsm.l⁻¹) or low (< 5) or high pH (> 9) or intravenous access for more than 2 weeks.

This should read:

Peripheral insertion is inappropriate for some fluids and drugs e.g. high osmolality > 500 mOsm.l⁻¹, potent vasopressors or intravenous access for more than 2 weeks. Check local or national guidance.