[bearjack99]

What is your protocol for removal of PICC lines?
Do you send tip off to be cultured?

[Deborah Naccarini]

Hi,
We culture PICC line tips only in cases of suspected line infection, phlebitis, fever, etc. A routine d/c of a PICC line because therapy is completed is not cultured.

[dauschundlover]

only in cases of suspected line sepsis.

[visitingangel]

Does anyone have a step by step protocol for PICC line removal?

[PICC ACE]

Tips are not routinely cultured and if we do send a cath segment we send the portion that was in the subcutaneous plus a few cm's. Cath tip cultures are over-ordered and rarely relevant,even in "line sepsis" situations. Cultures from the line itself,with concommitant peripheral cultures will tell you much more. Do a search using "time to positivity" and you should find a few references.