http://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/guidelines_updates/doqiupva_i.html#doqiupva7
GUIDELINE 7
"…Preservation of Veins for AV Access
A. Arm veins suitable for placement of vascular access should be preserved, regardless of arm dominance. Arm veins, particularly the cephalic veins of the nondominant arm, should not be used for venipuncture or intravenous catheters. The dorsum of the hand should be used for intravenous lines in patients with chronic kidney disease. When venipuncture of the arm veins is necessary, sites should be rotated. (Opinion)
B. Instruct hospital staff, patients with progressive kidney disease (creatinine >3 mg/dL), and all patients with conditions likely to lead to ESRD to protect the arms from venipuncture and intravenous catheters. A Medic Alert bracelet should be worn to inform hospital staff to avoid IV cannulation of essential veins. (Opinion)
C. Subclavian vein catheterization should be avoided for temporary access in all patients with kidney failure due to the risk of central venous stenosis. (Evidence)
Rationale Venipuncture complications of veins potentially available for vascular access may render such vein sites unsuitable for construction of a primary AV fistula.
Patients and healthcare professionals should be educated about the need to preserve veins to avoid loss of potential access sites in the arms and to maximize chances for successful AV fistula placement and maturation. Subclavian vein catheterization is associated with central venous stenosis. Significant subclavian vein stenosis will generally preclude the use of the entire ipsilateral arm for vascular access. Thus, subclavian vein catheterization should be avoided for temporary access in patients with kidney failure…"