central line questions

[dabbler]

does the risk for CVC related bacteremia increase every time the catheter is used for blood draws or infusions?

also for PICC lines do they last 1-12 months?

[susumarie, MSN, NP]

Yes the risk does increase, for example if IVF is running and the RN disconnects the fluids to draw blood, the sterile barrier is broken.. Thus placing the patient at risk. It is important to scrub the hub very well when drawing blood from a central line.

PICC lines are usually good for 3-6 months.

[Compassion_x]

Well, 1-12 months is quite a range don't you think? Lol. They're typically more short term than other lines.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

does the risk for CVC related bacteremia increase every time the catheter is used for blood draws or infusions?

also for PICC lines do they last 1-12 months?

What do you think? Is there a risk every time you access the line? If so, would the risk increase with the frequency of accessing the line?

I don't think I've ever seen a PICC in situ for 12 months. With the kids I work with, they're more short term and if they need long-term access, they get a broviac or a port-a-cath.