PICC's

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Hello, I am a nursing student wondering if someone could help me. My preceptor asked me if I should use the white or brown port for a PICC line blood draw. I think it's a trick question, but I couldn't find any information on the different color ports. I think you can use either, but I'm not sure why she asked.

Thanks

Amanda

Specializes in Trauma/ED.

We have a policy at my work that states we are NEVER to draw from a PICC. I was puzzled to learn this d/t the fact I have always drawn from them in other facilities as long as the lumen was big enough. I agree with the techniques listed above.

The story a heard is that a nurse ruined a smaller lumen PICC line and the doc was so furious that he/she went to the policy comity and convinced them that as a blanket rule there will be no blood draws from PICC's.

I've had some very po'd pt's d/t this policy they have had blood drawn for weeks using the PICC then I tell them I'm sorry it's against our policy you will have to have a needle...grrr.

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Specializes in ER (new), Respitory/Med Surg floor.

I've used the brown or red ports only b/c reminds me of blood to keep drawing from the same port. My hosptal we have to have an MD order to draw. Also if we are using tpn in one blood cannot be infused, or drawn at all. Not even medications. I was taught it was to reduce infection. Is this true?

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