PICC PICC-Line Maintenance

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PICC-Line Usage and Maintenance

A PICC-line allows quick, easy and painless vein access up to 3 months and different intravenous therapies. The veins are preserved.

The implantation procedure is less invasive than central venous access.

Peripheral intravenous catheters are easy to maintain and can be used to out-patient treatment.

Hygiene Precautions

By handling and maintenance of the PICC-line rigorous aseptic rules must be followed according to local protocols. Failure to respect these rules can lead to infection, dysfunction and other complications.

Rinsing and Heparinisation

Although maintenance of a PICC-line is simple, there are certain application steps to follow. It is essential to rinse the PICC-line before and after each treatment and between different infusions. The catheter should be rinsed with a minimum of 10 ml of normal sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9%. Heparinisation with heparinised sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9% can follow if required by local protocols.

Dressing

An occlusive dressing should cover the insertion site of the PICC-line at all times. A transparent dressing (e. g. B. Braun Askina® Derm) will allow easy inspection of the insertion site. The dressing has to be checked regularly for cleanness and be changed every seven days or according to local protocols, if the dressing becomes soiled, wet or non-occlusive.

Catheter removal

It is recommended to remove the PICC-line carefully with low force and slow pulling against resistance. The removed catheter must be the same length as when it was inserted. The dressing over the exit should be placed to avoid the risk of exposure to contaminated blood.

More information about the PICC-line, maintenance can be found in our nursing guidelines below.

Description	Document	Link
Nursing guidelines for maintenance and use of PICC-Lines	pdf (432.6 KB)	open

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Caresite®

Luer activated needleless connector for Infusion Systems

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Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC)

PIVCs are important in patient care and provide short-term vascular access. Placement is a common procedure. However, it exposes complications and risks to both the patient and medical staff.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

Acute CVCs are commonly used in critically ill patients requiring (multiple) infusion of highly concentrated solutions or vein-irrigation or in emergeny cases when finding a peripheral venous access is difficult.

Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC)

PICCs is used for long term central venous access. It is an alternative to CVCs due to lower complication rate and higher dwell time for up to three months. Rigorious aseptic rules must be taken before handling.

Access Ports & Port Needles

Vascular access port is implanted subcutaneously to mainly used for drug delivery into the blood stream. It ensures easy vein access, minimizes risk of infections, improves patient comfort, and quality of life.

Scientific evidence

Guidelines & Recommendations

Infusion therapy is crucial in medical treatments. In order to ease daily work of medical staff, we have compiled different guidelines on vascular access and environmental situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medical Scientific Material

Studies and researches are designed and conducted to gain updated evidence based practices on vascular access. These scientific updates will help us to facilitate enhanced quality of patient care.