Radiology, Oncology and Haematology
A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter.
A PICC line has been inserted into your arm to allow you to have intravenous chemotherapy administered. The line also allows the nursing staff to obtain blood samples if these are required. The PICC line has been inserted into your arm and travels up into your chest and down into one of the large veins. After insertion the line will be held in place by a device called a stat lock.
Great care must be taken to avoid damage to the PICC line, and it is your responsibility to report any changes or problems to the nursing staff. The nursing staff will look after the line whilst you are in hospital. When you go home you will be required to attend the day unit once weekly to have the line flushed and redressed.
Care of your PICC line
- Keeping the exit site clean and dry
- Avoid touching the line site with your hands
- Immediately after the line insertion, a sterile dressing will be applied
- A transparent waterproof dressing will be applied, and this can be left on the exit site for up to one week – if it needs to be changed more often, please let the nursing staff know.
Personal hygiene
- Your PICC line should not be immersed in water. Therefore, you should not bathe or swim with your line in
- Showers are permitted. The dressing is waterproof and should therefore be left in place. Pat it dry when you have finished showering
- Do not use sponges or flannels around the line or line site. They harbour germs and can cause potentially serious infections. Use running water only
Other precautions
Do
Be very careful when using scissors or nail clippers anywhere near the PICC line
Don’t
Don’t open or move the clamp on the line
Don’t remove the bionector (cap) from the ends of the line
Don’t pull on or pinch the PICC line
Don’t expose the line to either small children or pets
Don’t expose the PICC line to the sun
When to ring the chemotherapy or haematology unit for advice
Immediately in any of the following situations:
- If you have a temperature – 38°C or above
- If you feel unwell
- If the line site is oozing or appears red or swollen
- If the line is accidentally snapped or cut
Contact us
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the radiology day unit:-
Telephone: 01642 854332
Monday to Friday, 08:00 until 17:00
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]