NICU · Vascular Access
Umbilical Catheter Depth
UAC (high and low positions) and UVC insertion depth by birth weight or shoulder-umbilicus distance.
Birth weight
Placement targets
Depth by weight
Depth by shoulder-umbilicus distance (Shukla & Dunn)
Enter a distance above to activate — used when available for greater accuracy.
Clinical decision support only. Always confirm catheter tip position with chest and/or abdominal radiograph before use. UAC high position targets T6–T9 vertebral bodies; UVC targets the IVC–RA junction. Measurement formulas are estimates. PediaSuite is not affiliated with any institution.
Reviewed by C. A. Leyva, MD, neonatologist · Last reviewed September 2026
References
- Shukla H, Ferrara A. Rapid estimation of insertional length of umbilical catheters in newborns. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140(8):786–788. doi:10.1001/archpedi.1986.02140220068034
- Dunn PM. Localization of the umbilical catheter by post-mortem measurement. Arch Dis Child. 1966;41(215):69–75. doi:10.1136/adc.41.215.69
Lines are one line item — the exam covers the whole code.
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