Confirming PortACath access

Binkey, BSN · Sep 7, 2005

Does blood return always confirm correct access of the PortACath? Is there another method? shelly

ShellyJellyBelly,

An Implanted port that does not yield a blood return, should be a port that warrents attention....The presence of a blood return is imperative especially if you are giving a vesicant. I would not hesitate to give any medication through a port which has a brisk blood return as long as there are no adventious findings along with your assessment of that blood return.

If a blood return is not readily available (despite nursing interventions), and if three nursing shifts have attempted to no avail, instill Cathflo 2mg to breakdown any fibrin formation. If that is unsuccessful, get a dye study to determine patency. :coollook:

sjb2005 · Sep 14, 2005

Thanks for the info Binkey. This is what I thought with a little extra added info to boot. I was wanting an expert opinion since my co workers have insisted that a port is still viable without blood return. I wouldn't go along with their point of view so they thought I was a stupid nurse. I refused to administer via the port until it was found to be patent. I felt this was a potential hazard to my patient. Thanks again. Shelly

ShellyJellyBelly,
An Implanted port that does not yield a blood return, should be a port that warrents attention....The presence of a blood return is imperative especially if you are giving a vesicant. I would not hesitate to give any medication through a port which has a brisk blood return as long as there are no adventious findings along with your assessment of that blood return.
If a blood return is not readily available (despite nursing interventions), and if three nursing shifts have attempted to no avail, instill Cathflo 2mg to breakdown any fibrin formation. If that is unsuccessful, get a dye study to determine patency.