central line max rates

suzanne4, RN · Oct 11, 2005

Not at all. They can handle fluids as fast as you can run them in. I have given the full liter intentionally in about one hour with never any issues. Many times you will see fluids running at greater than 100 ml/ per hour.

Thnink of it, they are stronger than a peripheral IV and you can run fluids in quite fast that way as well, depending of course on the size of the catheter.

hrtprncss · Oct 11, 2005

If you're using your IV pump you can bolus up to how much your pump can handle, but in CT scans they usually don't use the central lines because there is a maximum flow rate a central access can handle. I've spoken to a radiologist about this where he doesn't allow ct injector to central lines and he said that central lines have max flow rates that they can handle.....SO yes if you're using a pump but not in every case...you have to check the line label itself for max flow rate.

EDIT: A few times I've had to go insert a peripheral IV in CT because they prohibit using central lines.

EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2005

hrtprincess, no offense but radiologists are unlikely specialized in the use of central lines, i'd check another source.

hrtprncss · Oct 12, 2005

No offense eric...but here's a link...from the FDA...ABOUT CENTRAL LINES

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/patientsafety/reminder-rvad.html

EDIT: I meant ''no offense'' taken:)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2005

Radiology sometimes uses power injectors which involve serious pressures. As such they will use a peripheral, and prefer large gauge PIVs in a large vein.

There are new PICC lines that will accomodate the CT power injectors, such as the new (purple) power PICCs but they are not in widespread use yet.

Some PICCs will accomodate very little pressure. The groshong brand PICCs are absolute nightmares as far as splitting and breaking under pressure. However, most triple lumen centrals, Hickmans, etc. can handle pretty high rates..and if the rate is too high, your IV pump should beep occlusion. Also, remember to only flush or instill meds with a 10cc or greater syringe, as anything smaller will exert too much pressure.

In BMT, we use double or triple lumens, and frequently are running several lines, with one at 300-400cc/hr (chemo), one at 100cc/hr (fluids), and another running a KVO/or another med. I have never seen a problem occur with those rates on central line.

EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2005

point noted.

No offense eric...but here's a link...from the FDA...ABOUT CENTRAL LINES
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/patientsafety/reminder-rvad.html
EDIT: I meant ''no offense'' taken:)

avado, BSN · Oct 12, 2005

I know more than I thought possible about CLs! Now I might have to hunt down a kit at work to find out the max limits.

Thank you for your superb answers everyone!