PICC Line and Midline Catheter Care
PICC Line and Midline Catheter Care is crucial in ensuring the vascular access device works properly and remains free of infection. This page describes, in general, PICC Line and Midline Catheter care and maintenance, and why such care and maintenance is critically important for line preservation, function, and infection prevention. Interested in learning more about our services for vascular access? Find more here →
Patient and Provider Resources for PICC and Midline Catheter Care
PATIENT Resource Page
Learn more about vascular access procedures, the different types of vascular access devices, how to prepare for a procedure, risks associated with procedures, and how to care for your vascular access device.
PROVIDER Resource Page
Learn more about vascular access Infection Prevention and Control protocols that can greatly reduce the risk of transmission of infections among providers, patients, healthcare workers, and others in healthcare settings.
PICC Line and Midline Catheter Care Introduction
PICC Line and Midline Catheter Care provides information and guidance on how to care for your PICC or Midline Catheter placement after discharge from a hospital or after a procedure in an outpatient clinic. Even though a PICC is a Central Venous Catheter Line and a Midline is not, the care and maintenance of both is basically the same, with each vascular access device having an external component that is covered by a sterile dressing. PICCs and Midlines are used instead of Peripheral IVs when intravenous delivery of medicine or nutrition are required over a longer period of time, as well as to reduce the discomfort of multiple Peripheral IV’s each time a new one is needed. They also allow for home therapy, or therapy at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or senior care community. PICCs may have more than one channel – or lumen – which allows different fluids or infusions at the same time, and because PICCs are central catheter lines, they can stay in place longer and allow for stronger concentrated medications than a Midline.
Vascular Access Clinicians
Washing Hands is Essential
PICC Line and Midline Catheter Care and Attention
Your PICC Line or Midline Catheter will need regular care and attention to keep it clean and working properly. This care includes changing the bandage (dressing), flushing the catheter with fluids, and changing the cap on the end of the catheter. You must always disinfect by washing your hands with soap and water before and after touching any part of your PICC Line or Midline Catheter. You must also comply with all follow-up care instructions from your healthcare provider. The PICC Line or Midline Catheter will be removed when it is no longer needed or indicated for use, if complications occur, or if it becomes infected.
Use the links below to learn more about the importance of proper Hand Hygiene:
Dressing Changes of PICC Line or Midline Catheter Site
Sterile techniques must always be used for any PICC Line or Midline Catheter dressing change. If you or your family member, friend or anyone assisting you does not know sterile dressing techniques, you must contact your healthcare provider for instructions. You must change the dressing over the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site as directed, which is typically about once per week; however, you must check the dressing daily and change it sooner if the dressing becomes dislodged, wet, or soiled.
PICC Line and Midline Dressing Change Supplies
Visit the Vascular Access Patient Education page for more details about the care and maintenance of your PICC, Midline or other vascular access devices
Keep your Catheter Dry
Activities with a PICC or Midline Catheter
You will need to limit or refrain from activities that may disturb or accidentally dislodge the device. This includes avoiding repetitive movements and lifting more than 10 pounds with the arm in which the PICC Line or Midline is placed. The site must be kept dry when you bathe or shower, and you can use a PICC line shower covering or securely tape plastic wrap when bathing. Do not submerge the PICC Line or Midline site under water and do not swim or use hot tubs. If the dressing gets wet, change it immediately.
Download helpful “Guidelines and Tips” in PDF format by clicking the button below
Seeking Medical Attention for a PICC or Midline Catheter
You must call your healthcare provider if any of the following occur:
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Drainage from the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site
• Swelling or bulging around the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site
• Bleeding from the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site
• Skin pulls away from the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site
• Redness, warmth, or pus at the PICC Line or Midline Insertion Site
• Tubing breaks, splits, or leaks
• More exposed tubing (tubing seems longer) or the tubing is pulled out completely
• Medicine or fluids don’t drain from the bag into your PICC Line or Midline
Visit the Vascular Access Patient Education page for more details about the care and maintenance of your PICC, Midline or other vascular access devices
Want more than just a PICC Service or PICC Team?
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Vascular Wellness provides comprehensive, quality, timely, and innovative vascular access services, including standard and advanced line placement, pediatrics, program management, education, training, and infection control and prevention to all healthcare settings such as Tertiary Hospitals, Community Hospitals, Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals, Hospital at Home Programs, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Surgical and Outpatient Centers, Hospice, and At-Home care. We support a 98+% Success Rate with 0% Insertion-Related Infection Rate across all lines, with an average response time of 3 hours. We help our clients improve patient outcomes, enable faster therapy, reduce costs, infections, and readmissions, decrease hospital length of stay, and reduce transportation expenses.
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