Published Sep 27, 2013
LisaLisa1986
2 Posts
Quick question...
Are there separate indications for the different colored lumens/caps on PICCs?
For example, is the red only used for one thing, and the purple for another?
Also, does it matter which lumen you use to draw blood from?
Thank you!
SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN
4 Articles; 2,058 Posts
I know some institutions have policies based on cap color, but really, no. It doesn't matter. You still need to flush a lumen that's used for labs and as well as one that's used for infusion. They can be used interchangeably as well as long as you follow protocol (for instance, if you're infusing something and you need to draw a lab off the line, stop the infusion, wait the appropriate amount of time, draw off your waste and draw the lab).
Thank you for your help!