Having a hard time finding guidelines regarding whether to flush - or not to flush - a potentially infected line. Any information? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mar 13 by NICU Guy, BSN, RN NICU Guy has 4 years experience as a BSN, RN and works as a NICU RN. 221 Likes; 1 Follower; 30,790 Visitors; 3,237 Posts Why would it even matter? If there is signs of infection or inflammation caused by the PICC, it needs to be pulled. If the PICC line flushes easily, are you going to keep it in? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mar 13 by mstal3965 59 Visitors; 2 Posts I was told something about "infectious flushing" - but haven't been able to find any documentation/guidelines about this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mar 13 by Asystole RN Asystole RN works as a Vascular Access Specialist. 108 Likes; 24,469 Visitors; 2,081 Posts 8 hours ago, mstal3965 said: I was told something about "infectious flushing" - but haven't been able to find any documentation/guidelines about this. There is a thought that if biofilms are developing on the catheter a turbulent flush can potentially knock away planktonic bacteria into the body. This is more of an explanation of the biofilm process and how bacteremias are developed but not really a guideline to follow. If there is suspected biofilm that thing needs to get yanked out quick. If you doubt flushing it then get orders to DC. Edited Mar 13 by Asystole RN Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mar 14 by Daisy4RN Daisy4RN has 20 years experience. 460 Likes; 1 Follower; 5,583 Visitors; 752 Posts If you think it could be infected you should notif the MD for further interventions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mar 14 by NurseTrishBSN, RN NurseTrishBSN has 15 years experience as a RN and works as a Charge Nurse, Unit Educator, MSN Student. 3 Likes; 1 Article; 130 Visitors; 9 Posts If the PICC line is infected, why is it still in? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Friday by cleback 36 Likes; 10,223 Visitors; 1,369 Posts Suspected infected picc lines are not to be used, including flushing. Exception example... If the patient has a fever but no s/sx of infection at picc otherwise, the doc may order a culture off the line as a precaution and opt to keep the line. Then you just use it as usual. Edited Friday by cleback Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
