Impedance Parameter Variations at Intravenous (IV) Infiltration Using Bioelectrical Impedance:A Pilot Study

Abstract

Infiltration is one of detrimental problems occurring in nursing or medical settings. Early detection of infiltration is essential to minimize the risk of injury from infiltration. To perform a preliminary study on the point of care and automated infiltration detection system, bioelectrical impedance was investigated using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. We would like to report experimental results that allow impedance parameters to effectively distinguish infiltration. Electrodes were attached to both sides of the transparent dressing on the fusion site where IV solution was being infused. Then, impedance parameters before and after infiltration were measured as a function of time and frequency. The experimental results are as follows. After infiltration was intentionally induced by puncturing the vein wall with a needle, the resistance gradually decreased with time. That is, when an alternating current having a frequency of 20 kHz was applied to the electrodes, the resistance gradually decreased with time, reflecting the accumulation of IV solution in the extracellular fluid since the current could not pass through the cell membrane. Impedance parameters and equivalent circuit model for human cell were used to examine the mechanism of current flow before and after infiltration, which could be used for early detection of infiltration.