To confirm placement of a midline catheter, which imaging is used?

• A. Ultrasound
• B. MRI
• C. CT scan
• D. X-ray

Answer: (D)

Placing a midline catheter requires confirming the path and exact tip location to ensure the catheter sits in the correct venous segment and to screen for potential complications. A chest X-ray is the standard imaging used after placement because it clearly shows the catheter’s course from the arm into the chest and reveals where the tip ends up relative to the heart and central veins. It also allows a quick check for issues like a pneumothorax that can occur during insertion.

Ultrasound is invaluable during the insertion itself for guiding cannulation, but it isn’t typically used to confirm the final position after the catheter is in place. MRI and CT aren’t practical for routine confirmation due to accessibility, cost, and greater complexity and radiation considerations (in the case of CT).