Clean Practices, Safe Patients: Ultrasound-Guided PIVC Education Meets Infection Prevention

Session Description: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (UGPIV) catheter insertion has become a best practice in vascular access, especially for patients with difficult venous access. However, as the use of ultrasound expands, so do the infection prevention challenges associated with probe handling, equipment contamination, and improper aseptic technique. This session explores the intersection of standardized UGPIV education and infection prevention practices to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Participants will examine how structured training programs—incorporating mastery learning, simulation, and competency validation—improve inserter technique, first-attempt success, and adherence to aseptic protocols. Emphasis will be placed on the practical elements of infection prevention during UGPIV insertions, including probe protection, sheath use, transducer disinfection, and skin antisepsis. The session will also discuss evidence-based practices for reducing bloodstream infections, contamination, and localized site infections.

Video demonstrations and clinical case examples will highlight real-world scenarios where infection risks were mitigated through education and environmental controls. Attendees will gain insight into how facilities can implement standardized UGPIV education alongside infection prevention protocols to meet The Joint Commission standards, comply with CDC and INS guidelines, and improve patient safety.

Whether you are an infection preventionist, educator, or clinician, this session will provide actionable strategies and tools to elevate the safety and consistency of UGPIV insertions. By aligning clean practices with evidence-based education, facilities can strengthen their infection prevention efforts—one insertion at a time.

Nancy Moureau

CEO, PICC Excellence

Dr. Nancy Moureau is an internationally recognized authority in vascular access science, infusion therapy, and infection prevention. She is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of PICC Excellence, Inc., a leading global provider of evidence-based vascular access education and credentialing pathways. Dr. Moureau earned her PhD from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, where her research focused on complications associated with intravenous devices, skin colonization, and Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) frameworks. With extensive clinical experience across neonatal, pediatric, adult critical care, and home infusion settings, she integrates clinical practice with translational research to improve vascular access outcomes. Author of numerous publications, systematic reviews, and international education programs addressing ultrasound-guided device insertion, disinfection, catheter material performance, and CABSI prevention. Dr. Moureau established the Certified PICC Ultrasound Inserter (CPUI) and Certified Neonatal PICC Inserter (CNPI) credentials, now widely adopted to validate clinician competence, and the UGPIV Mastery Learning Process, the first ultrasound-guided peripheral insertion curriculum to receive the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Seal of Approval. A recipient of the Association for Vascular Access Herbst Award for Lifetime Achievement, Dr. Moureau continues to serve internationally as a researcher, consultant, and academic collaborator advancing vascular access safety and best practices.

Maureen Lansing

Infection Preventionist, Dartmouth College, The Dartmouth Institute Public Health graduate student

Formerly a pediatric nurse at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, I realized to change more lives I needed to move into an Infection Prevention position. My sister, also a nurse and an infection preventionist, encouraged me to pursue the role and I have never looked back. Tracking trends and patterns, implementing best practices, and using positive reinforcement and other communication tools are a part of my every day and how I make infection prevention improvements. Pulling in the front line staff is imperative. Without their coordination and feedback, change will not happen. Personal and professional storytelling helps the staff visualize and empathize with the tasks I propose. Explaining the why is critical. I think outside the box and bring creativity to the world of infection prevention. I am currently a Public Health graduate student at Dartmouth and the 2019 President-Elect for DC Metro APIC Chapter 16.