PICC Line Care: What Patients Need to Know
Essential information about living with a PICC line, including daily care, activity guidelines, and warning signs to watch for.
A PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line provides reliable IV access for weeks to months. Whether you need antibiotics, chemotherapy, or nutrition, proper care of your PICC line is essential for your safety and treatment success.
What Is a PICC Line?
A PICC line is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein in your upper arm and threaded to a large vein near your heart. It allows medications to be delivered directly into your bloodstream and can remain in place for extended treatments.
IV Medications
Blood Draws
IV Nutrition
Daily Care Guidelines
DO
- Keep the dressing clean and dry
- Check the site daily for changes
- Flush as directed by your care team
- Cover during showers with waterproof protection
- Secure the line to prevent pulling
DON'T
- Submerge in water (baths, pools, hot tubs)
- Lift heavy objects with that arm
- Let anyone use the PICC without training
- Ignore signs of infection
- Remove or adjust the dressing yourself
Warning Signs - Call Immediately
Dressing Changes
Your dressing should be changed weekly or if it becomes wet, loose, or dirty. This should be done by a trained healthcare provider using sterile technique.
We provide in-home PICC line care including dressing changes and troubleshooting throughout Southern California.
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