What can be used to confirm the placement of a central venous catheter?

The confirmation of central venous catheter placement is primarily achieved through imaging techniques, with chest X-ray being the standard method in practice. A chest X-ray allows for direct visualization of the catheter's position within the vascular system, ensuring it is correctly located in the superior vena cava or the right atrium rather than in the surrounding tissue or mistakenly placed in a lung or other inappropriate space.

This imaging technique also helps to identify any potential complications such as pneumothorax or misplaced catheters, which can be critical for patient safety. Given that a chest X-ray provides clear, reliable visual confirmation of the catheter placement, it is considered the preferred method for verifying that a central venous catheter has been appropriately positioned for effective and safe use.

Other methods may assist in the verification process or provide supporting information, but they do not replace the necessity of using a chest X-ray for definitive confirmation. For instance, while ultrasound is helpful in assisting with catheter placement, it does not provide a final verification of the catheter’s placement after insertion. Blood tests may indicate the function of the catheter or the patient's condition, and a physical examination can provide some clues based on clinical signs but lacks the specificity and accuracy of imaging.