An IV catheter not only disrupts the skin barrier but it causes a direct portal to the vasculature. Therefore, even a simple IV has the potential to be a source of infection for patients. The nurse should practice proper hand hygiene which includes thoroughly washing hands and donning gloves prior to venipuncture and catheter insertion. Likewise, aseptic technique should be used. Sterile normal saline is not sufficient to create an aseptic field, rather the skin should be treated with an alcohol-based skin disinfectant or other solution that is bactericidal. The nurse should also use a bactericidal antiseptic prior to every use of the IV injection port.