A 30-month study of intravenous cannulation performed by I.V. team and non-I.V. team personnel demonstrates a significant and unpredictable benefit of an I.V. team. Beneficial effects include decreased volume and severity of phlebitis after infusion. The benefit appears to be most consistent on Medicine and Neuroscience services, inconsistent on Surgery and Obstetric/Gynecologic services, and not perceivable in Intensive Care Unit. The primary benefit appears to occur on those services that require the largest volume of venipunctures; these units account for approximately one half of all venipunctures performed. I.V. team benefit correlates well with increased team activity and, in contrast to other reports, does not correlate well with increasing incidence of phlebitis or cannula dwell time. A cost savings of approximately $17,000 per year related to a reduction in intravenous-related phlebitis due to I.V. team activity was demonstrated.