Which port is used in a triple lumen central line?

[neneRN, BSN, RN]

In nursing school, we were taught to remember by:

Proximal=Phlebotomy

Medial=Medicines

Distal=Diet (TPN)

[Dawson]

Thank you very much. I will definitely remember!

[I_Love_Donuts]

Triple lumen port or broviac??? I'm confused....

[Zee_RN, BSN, RN]

I was always taught distal for blood draws, medial for TPN and proximal for IV infusions. But I don't think that is a "hard and fast" nursing rule; the safest answer would be "CHECK COMPANY POLICY." I have seen all three ports used for all three stated uses. If you do have CVP readings, you must have your transducer connected to the distal port.

[Dawson]

Thank you so much for all of your replies. I really appreciate the advice. I'm sure I'll be back as more questions arise!

[RN-BamaStudent]

Helps a lot to read from the experienced nurses! We are covering this in class now, and will be tested on it Tuesday. It sticks a lot better when I hear fellow nurses discussing real life situations.

[RN-BamaStudent]

that's easy to remember! will have to pass it along

[Zee_RN, BSN, RN]

A coworker last night was telling me that at her last hospital, they never, ever used the distal port for anything but TPN. Even if the patient was NEVER going to get TPN, they did not use the distal port. EVER. If they needed more than the proximal and medial ports, they'd put in another line!! An additional triple lumen would be inserted rather than using the distal port on the existing triple lumen. Now that strikes me as a bit extreme.

[TraumaCowboy]

In most cases the brown port is the largest and is the distal port. It is also the port where the wire comes out when you insert the tlc... It is prudent to reserve this line for blood draws, volume infusions and transfusions... Save the smaller ports for your tpn and micro or macro drips... Remember to not break your tpn lines once you've dedicated your medial or proximal port to it... This is a major risk for infection...

[Shelby Dawn]

Kenneth Oja said:

It's important for nurses to understand the lumen configuration and designation when caring for a patient with a triple lumen. When I worked in the ICU, patients were often receiving multiple medications and fluids at once, so a triple lumen central catheter, and knowing the function of each port, was essential.  

This may vary by manufacturer, but typically each lumen of the catheter is a different color, its own separate line, and used for designated purposes.  

Color	Location	Gauge	Designation
White	Proximal	18	Medications, IV solutions, and blood products if other lumens are not open.
Blue	Medial	18	Medications, IV solutions, more viscous fluids like TPN and lipids, colloids, and blood products if distal lumen is not open.
Brown	Distal	16	Medications, IV solutions, lipids, and colloids. Always first for blood products if open. Also used for blood draws and monitoring central venous pressure (CVP).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope this helps! But, most likely, you will never forget which port is used for what after getting questioned in clinicals! 

Hi Ken! 

Where did this information come from? could you provide the source please? 

Thank you so much! 

[londonflo]

Shelby Dawn said:

When I worked in the ICU, patients were often receiving multiple medications and fluids at once, so a triple lumen central catheter, and knowing the function of each port, was essential.  

This may vary by manufacturer, but typically each lumen of the catheter is a different color, its own separate line, and used for designated purposes.  

If you look at the exterior of the catheter, you will see the manufacturer's name. Google their site. They will have a section for "Health Care Practitioners" that will fill you in on their recommendations.