Using the PIVO needle-free device to reduce blood culture contamination

Reducing Blood Culture Contamination With the Use of a Needle-less Blood Draw Device (PIVO Pro): An Adaptive Group Sequential Randomized Controlled Trial (The PIVO Trial)

Not applicable Interventional The University of Queensland · NCT06806709

This trial will test whether using the PIVO Pro needle-free device to collect blood from adults in the emergency department who need blood cultures reduces contamination compared with the usual collection method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1148 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Queensland Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Caboolture, Queensland and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06806709 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial at three Australian emergency departments will compare blood culture contamination rates when samples are collected using the PIVO Pro needle-free device at initial peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) insertion versus standard blood collection methods. Adults aged 18 and older who require a blood culture and receive a 22-gauge (or larger) PIVC will be enrolled unless they have already started IV antibiotics. Research nurses will identify eligible patients in the ED, obtain consent, and record contamination outcomes for the blood culture samples. The primary outcome is the rate of contaminated blood cultures; secondary outcomes include sample adequacy and need for repeat draws.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) in the participating emergency departments who need a blood culture and are having a 22-gauge or larger peripheral IV catheter placed are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who have already started IV antibiotics in the emergency department, who do not have a suitable peripheral IV catheter, or pediatric patients are unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using PIVO Pro could lower contaminated blood cultures, reduce repeat painful needle sticks, and decrease unnecessary antibiotics and follow-up testing.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown PIVO performs similarly to venepuncture for routine blood tests and reduces some preanalytical errors, but randomized data specifically addressing blood culture contamination are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Blood culture requested due to suspected bloodstream infection
* Patients receiving a 22 gauge short peripheral intravenous catheter (or larger)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have already commenced intravenous antimicrobial medications in the emergency department

Where this trial is running

Caboolture, Queensland and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Blood Culture ContaminationInfectionPIVO ProReducing blood culture contaminationNeedle-less blood draw
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.