RN

If you're not getting blood from a PICC line but it still flushes, you could have a fibrin sheath over the end that's preventing blood return but still allowing it to flush...

OR

You could also have a PICC line that's wandered out of place and is no longer functional.

Bottom line, if you're not getting blood back from a PICC, it's a good idea to check placement and perhaps use some TPA. That was our policy on my oncology ward.

The Infusing Nursing Standards of Practice would agree:

http://www.ins1.org/files/public/QA_Session_1_Webinar.pdf

Standard 50 Flushing, Practice Criteria N. "The nurse should aspirate the

catheter for positive blood return to confirm patency prior to administration

of medications and solutions."

- Standard 68 Parenteral Medication and Solution Administration, Practice

Criteria A. The same statement is repeated

He is wrong.

Any central line should be able to draw blood at any time. If it does not it either needs confirmation of functioning status such as a dye study or it needs to be fixed.

I agree with the other 2 comments. It should always have blood return.