PICC line removal, a sterile procedure?

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

I get that putting one in is a sterile procedure, but taking one out isn't, is it?

I was getting some weird info today and wanted to check.

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

It's a stupid question and I think I know what the answer is, but I got some info from an authority yesterday that kind of shook my inexperienced nursing confidence...

[Colin the Red RN]

yes. once the dressing is in place, its "clean"

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

Thanks, Colin, that's what I thought.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

All procedures related to PICC lines in my NICU are sterile, including changing dressings, changing tubing/fluids, and d/cing the line. Might be because it's the NICU, though.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique.

Anyone who tells u anything else is either not a RN, not a very GOOD RN, or doesn't know what the hell they are talking about.

[nyrn5125]

our PA's take them out. gloves and gauze is all I see

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Removal is a clean (aseptic) procedure.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique.

Anyone who tells u anything else is either not a RN, not a very GOOD RN, or doesn't know what the hell they are talking about.

OP was asking whether removal was a sterile procedure. Sterile is not the same as aseptic.

[SweetheartRN]

OP was asking whether removal was a sterile procedure. Sterile is not the same as aseptic.

Exactly. Picc insertion is sterile. Dsing and tube change is sterile. Removal is clean or aseptic. Meaning don non sterile gloves use sterile gauze and paper tape.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique...

No not "anything" with PICCs can be performed aseptically.... for example, insertion and dressing changes are sterile.

PICC removal is aseptic.

[Aurora77]

It's not when the pt decides to do it themselves. Ask me how I know. :)