A peripherally inserted central catheter, or PICC line for short, is a small, flexible tube that gets inserted into a vein in your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Medical staff use PICC lines for administering intravenous (IV) medications, hydration, drawing blood, and other treatments.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)
Your doctor may decide that as part of your treatment, you will need to receive your medications by intravenous injection. Intravenous (IV) injection is the injection of a fluid into a blood vessel that directs blood back to your heart.
When your doctor decides that you need to receive your medications through an IV, they might consider using a PICC line if your treatment is going to last a few weeks or more. A PICC line is like a special type of catheter—a long, soft tube with one, two, or three openings called lumens—that delivers your medications directly.
About your PICC
PICCs provide access to the venous system, enabling the delivery of medication or fluids. Patients who require therapy that will extend over a period of time typically use PICCs. Medical staff insert them, usually into a vein in the upper arm.
The insertion procedure involves numbing and cleaning your skin to remove any germs. Then, one end of the catheter is gently inserted through your skin and threaded through the vein until it reaches near your heart, which is the optimal spot for delivering the necessary fluids.
Sometimes, X-rays are taken during the insertion process to ensure that the PICC line is placed correctly. Other times, the catheter is inserted first, and then an X-ray is taken to confirm its proper positioning.
Once the PICC line is in place, a dressing will be placed over the area where the catheter comes out of your skin. This is your insertion site, and the dressing protects it.
Some PICCs have a valve designed to keep them closed when not in use, while others don’t. In addition, the valve is designed to stay closed even during normal increases in pressure in your veins, like when you laugh or cough.
Blood Sampling
Sometimes, your health care provider may need to obtain a sample of your blood, using the PICC line. Before obtaining a sample, the PICC should be flushed to ensure it’s functioning properly. The health care provider will then draw a small sample of blood through the catheter to confirm that it’s working correctly, discard the sample, and then flush it again.
PICC Catheter and Site Care
Learning to care for your PICC line properly ensures that you receive the treatments ordered by your doctor and reduces the risk of complications.
You will need to be care for your PICC line and keep it clean. This includes changing the dressing any time it becomes loose, soiled, or wet and at least one time every week. A healthcare provider, or someone that has been trained in changing dressings with sterile equipment, should handle this for you.
A sterile end cap will be placed on the end of the catheter. This keeps the catheter closed when not in use. If the end cap becomes loose, comes off, or leaks, make sure to notify your healthcare provider. The end caps should be changed often, and your healthcare provider will help you understand this process.
Should I limit my activities while I have a PICC?
Generally, everyday movements like bending your arm and reaching for things will not harm your PICC. However, it’s best to avoid lifting heavy objects or carrying items in the bend of your arm that could strain the PICC or the dressing. If your healthcare provider approves, you may take a shower or bath with the PICC in place as long as you cover the PICC and dressing with plastic wrap, a plastic bag or material that will keep it from getting wet. But remember, activities like swimming that may wet the catheter or dressing should be avoided. A wet dressing or catheter may put you at risk for infection.
It’s essential to seek medical attention or inform your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Redness, soreness or swelling at the PICC insertion site or on your arm.
Fever, chills or vomiting
Any problems with your catheter while caring for it
Difficulty giving medications, or being able to draw blood
A catheter that becomes damaged in any way, leaks or is torn or broken.
Flushing Protocols
Flushing Your PICC Line
For your PICC to work properly, it will need to be flushed occasionally. But don’t worry, you won’t have to do it yourself – it’s a job for a health care provider. They’ll use a needle-less syringe filled with saline to inject it into your catheter, which helps push out any leftover medication or blood that might be hanging around in there. The specific flushing requirements may vary depending on the brand of your PICC line, so your healthcare provider will have the details.
Power Injection for Contrast-Enhanced Scans
Under certain circumstances, you may need to receive X-rays, with contrast media using computed tomography (CT) equipment. In a typical procedure, the following steps will occur. You will have this procedure done in radiology. The CT Tech who will administer the procedure will have you lie down on the CT table. They will then prepare you and your PICC line for the procedure. They will then slide you into the CT system and step out of the room. From behind a window, they will administer the procedure. Once it’s done, they will disconnect the power injection equipment, flush and dress your catheter, and make sure you’re good to go.
PICC Line Removal
When your doctor decides that your PICC line is no longer necessary, they’ll ask for it to be removed. Don’t worry, though—you won’t have to do it yourself. Your healthcare provider will take care of this procedure. Once the catheter is out, they’ll cover the insertion site with a bandage and ask you to leave it on for about 24 hours.
Remember, if you ever have any concerns or questions about your PICC line, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They’re there to help you through the process and ensure your well-being.
- Keep your PICC line dressing clean and dry by washing your hands before touching it and covering it with a waterproof dressing when you shower.
- Always use sterile supplies when accessing your PICC line, and never reuse supplies.
- PICC lines are for infusing IV medications, fluids, nutrition, or other treatments and can last as long as six months.
- PICC lines have several associated risks, including infection and blockage.
- Never attempt to remove your PICC line, and notify your doctor immediately if you have concerns about infection or other complications.
