CTs with contrast through central lines

[GardenDove]

The head of our radiology informed me that they cannot do CTs with contrast for PEs or of the Aorta through central lines because they have to push 150cc of contrast in 4 seconds, and it apparently causes the tail of the catheter to have a whipping action that can damage the vessel. She called me the other day after we had had a discussion with her at the nurses station regarding the CTs scheduled on a couple of our pts who had central lines. She finally found out the policy as dictated by our radiologist, she actually wasn't even sure of it herself until the discussion came up.

Anyone know anything about this? Obviously, many people with central lines have them because of lack of access. She said that they would need an intrajugular or a special PICC line that had a name that eludes me. I passed the info on to my manager.

[TXstudentRN]

As I've had MANY PICCs, all but two Power PICC's, I can tell you that they are WONDERFUL for many reasons, but especially with being able to put contrast through them. Some radiology techs would argue with me that they'd have to start a peripheral line and that was one thing I knew for sure wasn't necessary, but since it's still a relatively new concept of using any kind of central line for contrast not everyone is fully aware that it's doable.

I just wanted to clarify one thing though... someone mentioned that they have three ports and one is marked "CT"-- that's not necessarily true. I'm sure they make those, but the ones I've always had are purple with two lumens, one red, one purple. Just wanted to clear that up! But yeah- at my hospital the only time they don't do Power PICCs is if the order is specifically written NOT to. While I love my port I have now, I certainly do miss that aspect of PICCs!

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

I just wanted to clarify one thing though... someone mentioned that they have three ports and one is marked "CT"-- that's not necessarily true. I'm sure they make those, but the ones I've always had are purple with two lumens, one red, one purple. Just wanted to clear that up!

That's how ours look as well.