How long can a PICC line stay in?
The benefit of a PICC is that the catheter can remain for a long period, typically two to six weeks, over which a course of medication such as antibiotics can be delivered.
Can PICC lines be permanent?
Your doctor might recommend a PICC line if your treatment plan requires frequent needle sticks for medicine or blood draws. A PICC line is usually intended to be temporary and might be an option if your treatment is expected to last up to several weeks. A PICC line is commonly recommended for: Cancer treatments.
How often does a PICC line need to be changed?
PICC lines should be changed at least once per week. If the dressing becomes loose, wet, or dirty, the dressing must be changed more often to prevent infection. PICC line dressings must be inspected on a daily basis. Moist dressings are breeding grounds for infections.
When should a PICC line be removed?
2.2 The PICC should be removed when therapy is completed, in the presence of unresolved complications, or when deemed no longer necessary for the plan of care.
How serious is a PICC line?
A PICC is generally safe — infection or other complications from their use are very rare. However, a person should contact their doctor if they experience any issues associated with their PICC, including if they believe they have dislodged it or pulled it out.
What is the alternative to a PICC line?
A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it's placed in the chest or neck. CVC stands for “central venous catheter.” A port is a catheter that's implanted surgically under the skin on the chest. It's another type of central line.
Do PICC lines need to be flushed daily?
You'll need to flush your PICC line as often as directed by your healthcare provider. You may need to flush it after each use. If the PICC line is not in active use, you may need to flush it once a day. Or you may only need to flush it once a week.
What happens if you don't flush a PICC line?
Risks associated with drawing blood specimens from a PICC include infection and catheter occlusion or rupture if the PICC isn't flushed properly afterward. For patients with severely compromised venous access, though, the PICC may be the only option for drawing blood specimens.
What can you not do with a PICC line?
Having a PICC should not keep you from doing your normal activities, such as work, school, sexual activity, showering, and mild exercise. Avoid contact sports, such as football and soccer, while your PICC is in place. Ask your doctor or nurse about any activities before you start them.
Is PICC line removal painful?
Removing the PICC line is quick and, while uncomfortable, should not be painful. There may be some bleeding and a gauze bandage will be applied to add pressure to the site.
Can I take out my own PICC line?
A PICC line should be covered with clean, secure dressing at all times to prevent infection and migrant infection. A PICC line can only be removed at the order of a doctor.
Can a patient go home with a PICC line?
At home, you need to take care of your PICC to keep it working. Because a PICC line has a high infection risk, you must take extra care washing your hands and preventing the spread of germs. This sheet will help you remember what to do to care for your PICC at home.
What is a PICC line (or PIC line)?
PICC stands for "peripherally inserted central catheter." This intravenous catheter is inserted through the skin, into a vein in the arm, in the re...
What is a PICC line used for?
The purpose of the PICC insertion procedure is to provide medicinal therapy and fluids through an intravenous catheter.
Who orders a PICC line?
A PICC must be ordered by your primary physician or surgeon or their consulting colleague.
How long can a PICC line stay in?
The benefit of a PICC is that the catheter can remain for a long period, typically two to six weeks, over which a course of medication such as anti...
What is so special about a PICC insertion at HSS?
PICC insertion procedures are performed by HSS radiologists and qualified and specially trained radiology nurses, radiology physician assistants an...
Who inserts the PICC line?
At HSS, PICC lines are inserted by: board certified radiologists trained in vascular interventional procedures, qualified and specially trained rad...
How is the PICC procedure performed?
The patient is advised to lie on their back on a procedure table with the arm chosen for insertion resting on an arm board support. A tourniquet is...
How do you prepare for a PICC procedure?
Prior to the procedure, information on medications like anticoagulant therapies such as Coumadin or Heparin is required. A blood test to check for...
What are the contraindications for the PICC procedure?
A key contraindication is that patients on anticoagulant therapy who have an INR blood test result greater than 2.0 cannot undergo the procedure. I...
What are the risks or possible complications of having a PICC line?
Although rare, the risks associated with the PICC line procedure can include infection, bleeding, blood clot, increased venous thrombosis, pulmonar...
Overview
Medical uses
Prevention
Advantages
- The procedure to insert the PICC line takes about an hour and can be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning it won't require a hospital stay. It's usually done in a procedure room that's equipped with imaging technology, such as X-ray machines, to help guide the procedure. PICClin…
Other uses
Staff
- A PICC line is used for a variety of purposes, typically in patients who are expected to need IV medication for several weeks or more. A PICC can remain in place for months as long as infection does not occur at the site of the line. A PICC may be used when a patient is a hard stick and the healthcare team cannot place an IV despite repeated attempts. It may also be used to protect th…
Security
- A PICC line is also used to prevent the patient from being stuck repeatedly, for example, certain kinds of infections require daily IV antibiotics for 6 weeks or more. A PICC line can be placed and if no complications arise, can remain in place for the full six weeks of treatment. PICC lines require regular maintenance, including routine sterile dr...
Diagnosis
- Most facilities only allow a standard IV to remain in place 3-4 days before it is removed and a new one placed, over the course of many weeks the PICC can substantially reduce the number of times a patient has to tolerate an IV being placed.
Treatment
- PICC lines can also be used to draw blood. Patients who are difficult to draw blood from, or do not tolerate blood draws well, may have a PICC to spare them daily (or more) pokes of a needle. PICC lines can also be used for multiple medications at one time. If two medications are not compatible and need to be given at the same time, two IV sites are necessary. A PICC line can h…