PICC line cap change question!

[sweetieann]

Our facility uses those positive pressure patency caps, where you don't clamp them when the line is not in use. However, I have a question. When you change the caps on these, you'd obviously clamp the line to prevent air embolus, correct? (b/c you're changing the positive pressure cap, so if you take that off, there is no "positive pressure" between cap changes, since the cap is what causes this positive pressue). Am I correct?

Thanks! I don't have alot of experience with these...

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

sweetie175,

:loveya: You are welcome

[cc_nurse]

We use umbilical lines without clamps, which look a little like a PICC. What we do when changing the hubs is wrap a 2x2 gauze around the catheter itself and use a (non-toothed!) hemostat to clamp the line. Our lines go down to 3Fr and I've never had a problem with a damaged line doing it this way. I'm sure it's probably wrong, since it's a workaround solution, but as I said, I've never had an issue.

That is our procedure too, elizabells. We can be

'wrong' together!

[jcleahy]

If the PICC is designed with clamps, it probably lacks an integral PASV (pressure activated safety valve) and would need to be clamped while changing the injection caps. If the PICC does not have clamps, clamping is probably not necessary due to the presence of an integral PASV. However, check your PICC manufacturers recommendations and your institutional policy. For a good discussion, see http://jcleahy.blogspot.com/2010/11/picc-lines-purpose-use-and-care.html