How to Identify PICC Lines

A peripherally inserted central catheter, or PICC, line is a long thin catheter that is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, and then threaded through that vein and set in place just above the heart. PICC lines are placed as a secure route for long-term medication administration, such as chemotherapy, blood transfusions or antibiotic therapy. PICC lines are placed in the hospital by specially trained nurses. PICC lines are chosen over typical intravenous catheters for long-term use to decrease the number of needle sticks and incidence of infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a patient history. PICC lines are placed in individuals that have a need for frequent or long-term medication administration. A medical history of cancer with chemotherapy treatment, frequent blood transfusions or other chronic condition would indicate a PICC line placement.

• 2

  Inspect the area near the bend in the arm at the elbow, known as the antecubital area. It is used for PICC line placement due to the large veins in this area.

• 3

  Identify any intravenous access sites on the antecubital area. An intravenous access site will be surrounded by a securing device such as tape or a similar commercial securement device. Because PICC lines can be placed for at-home medication administration, they may also have a cosmetic flesh-toned securing device holding the hub in place.

• 4

  Locate the hub. All intravenous access devices have a hub, which is the end of the catheter that rests on the surface of the skin. The hub of a PICC line can be many different colors, depending on the manufacturer, but it will be made of plastic. The hub of a PICC line usually separates into two or three separate lines also called lumens. The hub of a standard intravenous catheter will connect directly to an administration line or a saline lock, both of which contain a single administration line.