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I know you probably want Lynn's input, but INS 2011 (affectionately known as "The Gold Book") Practice Criteria 53 O-P states that CVAD dislodgment can be caused by body movement, etc and that any external portion of the CVAD that has been in contact with the skin should not be advanced as skin cannot be rendered sterile and no studies have shown an acceptable length of time that a catheter can remain outside the insertion site prior to re-introduction. If your question is specifically related to peripheral IV catheters, I would extrapolate the same conclusion given recent studies demonstrating a link between short peripheral catheters and infections, but it is not specifically addressed in the Standards as far as I'm aware. Taping is discussed with catheter securement, but it sounds like your issue relates to what to do when taping fails!

 Kevin is totally correct. This INS standards statement was written with the idea of a CVAD in mind. I think you are taking this from the standard on CVAD Malposition, but not sure. The same principles in this statement apply to a PIV. I guess I  have never thought of the idea of trying to reinsert a PIV. Infection is a huge issue but there would be so many other issues. You could easily start or add to the developing mechanical phlebitis. You could push the catheter through the vein wall and cause infiltration/extravasation. Then on the other hand some polyurethane catheter could not possibly be reinserted because they have softened. Reinserting a portion, any portion of any VAD back into the vein for many reasons will always be below the stqandard of care. Lynn