Therapeutic Phlebotomy Via Vascular Access Device (i.e. mediport, PICC line, central)

[Nurse_Extern]

I am a nurse extern working in an infusion center. We have a few patients who need therapeutic phlebotomies, however, they do not have good peripheral veins. I was just looking for any information in regards to using a mediport, PICC line, or central line for the therapeutic phlebotomy. Does your medical facility have a protocol in place? Do you know of any research in which would help us get one in place?

[Wuzzie]

i work in an outpatient infusion center, primarily chemotherapy, but we do some non chemo's and therapeutic phlebotomies through mediports. we have a policy and procedure in force. i understand that using a mediport according to package insert is off label. therefore most organizations have no position papers on this procedure. but when your patient becomes peripherally challenged, one has to weigh the need. that being said, our policy calls for the use of a stopcock, to minimize interruption in the line. we use a 500 ml pooling flask (vacuum packed), centesis set, stopcock and 19 gauge huber needle. a newer employee has eliminated the use of the stopcock and if she has to flush the line, she disconnects the tubing and flushes. my brain says minimize the open manipulation of a line. what do the rest of nurses do when your only option is a mediport.

It was very nice of you to respond but this poster hasn't been active since 2012!