Comprehensive Difficult IV Access Scoring Tool (C-DIVA)
Assesses patient and vein characteristics to identify risk of difficult IV access.
Use this score to determine which patients may require specialized care to improve first-attempt vascular access success.
Advice
- This tool should not be used as the sole predictor of difficult peripheral venous access; consider the full clinical picture and use clinical judgement for each patient.
- When using the tool, consider the patient’s acuity and hemodynamic stability when selecting the most appropriate access method for medication administration and resuscitation.
Critical Actions
For scores ≥6, consider alternative vascular access options, including but not limited to:
- Ultrasound-guided peripheral catheter.
- Intraosseous access.
- Peripherally-inserted central catheter.
- Central venous catheter.