Can you 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.

Can you leave the hospital with a PICC line?

If a doctor or nurse inserted the PICC line during a hospital stay, they may remove it before the person goes home if it is no longer needed. If an individual leaves the hospital with the PICC line in place, they will need to schedule an appointment with their doctor to remove it.

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 managed at home?

The nurses at National Jewish Health will review PICC line care with you. In addition, a healthcare provider will help care for your PICC line when you are at home. This may be in an outpatient clinic or home care depending on insurance. You will receive a patient booklet about how to care for your PICC line.

Is it painful to have a PICC line inserted?

PICC lines or “peripherally inserted central catheters” are an intravenous (IV) catheter inserted into a vein in the arm, to reach the area just outside the heart, and generally, should not hurt.

Having a PICC line insertion

Can I drive after having a PICC line inserted?

You can drive home after having your PICC line placed as long as you feel fit and able to drive.

What to expect after having a PICC line inserted?

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.

How often does PICC line need to be flushed?

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.

How do you take care of a PICC line at home?

Keep the dressing (or bandage) clean, dry, and secured to the skin. If it gets wet or torn, change it right away. Do not put lotions or ointments under the dressing. When you're ready to change the dressing (or bandage) over your PICC line, make sure you do it in a clean, dry area away from drafts.

Which is safer PICC line or port?

Conclusions: Port devices are associated with a lower risk of complications, with no difference in cost, compared to PICC lines in patients with non-haematological malignancies receiving intravenous chemotherapy.

Why would a patient need a PICC line?

PICC lines are used when the IV medications or fluids may irritate veins or when medications are given over a longer period of time.

Why use a PICC line instead of an IV?

A PICC line is thicker and more durable than a regular IV. It's also much longer and goes farther into the vein. Health care providers use a PICC line instead of a regular IV line because: It can stay in place longer (up to 3 months and sometimes a bit more).

How serious is a PICC line?

PICC lines pose certain health risks, including infection, blood clots, and abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). The risk of infection is reduced by routinely changing dressings, flushing and cleaning the catheter ports, and washing your hands thoroughly before touching any part of the line.

Can you go home with IV antibiotics?

Patients with serious infections who need intravenous (IV) antibiotics but who otherwise feel well and don't have any other reason to be in the hospital may qualify for home IV antibiotic therapy.

How do you shower with a PICC line?

Is Showering with a PICC Line Okay? The answer is yes, but only if you take the right precautions to keep the area covered with something that's waterproof. Our bright idea was getting a wrap that can cover the area and keep it secure and dry. That's when SealSkin Wrap was born.

What's the difference between a central line and a PICC line?

A PICC line is a longer catheter that's also placed in the upper arm. Its tip ends in the largest vein of the body, which is why it's considered a central line. PICC stands for "peripherally inserted central-line catheter.” A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it's placed in the chest or neck.

What to expect after PICC line is removed?

If you do feel pain, tell your health care provider. What will happen after the procedure? Your health care provider will apply firm pressure for about 5 to 10 minutes to the site until the bleeding stops. After the bleeding stops, your health care provider will put a bandage over the site.

Can you use a walker with a PICC line?

Be careful if you use crutches, a wheelchair, or a walker. For example, don't let the crutches put pressure in the armpit of your arm that has the PICC. Talk to your healthcare provider if you use these types of medical equipment.

Can you bend your arm with a PICC line?

You will be able to bend and use your arm as normal while the PICC is in place, but you will need to follow some precautions to ensure your PICC stays in place and functions well. Do not carry heavy weights (more than 5lbs). Do not exercise vigorously with your arm while the PICC is in place.

Can you eat before PICC line insertion?

As a patient you need to do very little to prepare before the insertion of your PICC. It will help if you have been drinking fluids prior to the insertion. You will also need to be on your bed for the procedure. You can eat and drink normally.

What's a PICC line look like?

A PICC line is a long, thin, hollow, flexible tube called a catheter. It is put into one of the large veins of the arm, above the bend of the elbow. Then it is threaded into the vein until the tip is in a large vein just above the heart. The line is usually sealed with a special cap or bung.

Do nurses insert PICC lines?

Usually, the nurse inserts your PICC line in the hospital room. Sometimes, a Radiologist may insert the PICC line. You sign a consent form stating that you understand the procedure.

What do you wear for a PICC line?

Hence, you should wear clothing that does not wrinkle easily and cloths that are loose-fitting to help you feel comfortable all day long for when ever the fatigue hits you. For instance, wear pajamas style or other short or loose sleeve shirts that provides easy access to your arm if you have a PICC line.