jcleahy

If the PICC is designed with clamps, it probably lacks an integral PASV (pressure activated safety valve) and would need to be clamped while changing the injection caps. If the PICC does not have clamps, clamping is probably not necessary due to the presence of an integral PASV. However, check your PICC manufacturers recommendations and your institutional policy. For a good discussion, see http://jcleahy.blogspot.com/2010/11/picc-lines-purpose-use-and-care.html

Small syringes should not be used for PICC flushing because they generate too much pressure. A 10cc syringe is used for the saline flush. If there is a heparin flush, it follows the saline and is administered with a 5cc syringe. Whether heparin should be used or not depends on the particular brand of PICC that has been used. PICC's that require heparin are out of favor because of the issue of heparin induced thrombocytopenia. See the manufacturer's recommendation printed in the little booklet packaged with the picc, or find the recommendation online. You must conform to your institutional policy AND manufacturer recommendation. For a good discussion of all this, see http://jcleahy.blogspot.com/2010/11/picc-lines-purpose-use-and-care.html