PICC lines

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I have a question w/ PICC lines. How easy is it for a patient to get an infection from these? I'm new with them. I saw a nurse draw blood from it, after having the vacutainer sitting on the bedside tabe, but it wasn't touching anything. Can air cause an infection? I just wonder with central lines. Is it easier to get an infection from these than regular peripheral IV's.

I'm sorry, I'm having trouble reading my replies b/c my computer won't let me view all of my replies normally.

As above, a PICC is a central line and should always be treated as such. They are designed for "short term" IV therapy for up to 12 weeks. Vacutainers are not recommended due to the amount of pressure created which can damage the internal catheter. I have been a nurse for 20 yrs, PICC certified for 10 yrs and my advise is proper sterile technique should be maintained as the tip is located in the tip of the superior vena cava.

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Specializes in ER, Research.

Can a patient get a systemic infection, or a heart infection if aseptic technique was compromised once? Or, will the patient just have an infected PICC line initially. I'm scared of making a patient septic if I'm not aseptic enough. Cancer patients, especially, since they have a compromised immunity. :uhoh21: I'm probably just really nervous since this is new to me.:uhoh3:

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Can a patient get a systemic infection, or a heart infection if aseptic technique was compromised once? Or, will the patient just have an infected PICC line initially. I'm scared of making a patient septic if I'm not aseptic enough. Cancer patients, especially, since they have a compromised immunity. :uhoh21: I'm probably just really nervous since this is new to me.:uhoh3:

It's good to be a little nervous-makes you more aware and cautious. To answer your question, as with ANY central line, the patient may develop sepsis. As far as developing an infection after 1 episode of poor technique, it's a crap shoot!

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