Skip to main content
Patient Awareness
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer medicine using a syringe. In the background, a patient lies in a hospital bed, appearing calm as the procedure takes place. The focus is on the careful administration of treatment.

PICC Line Care: Maintenance for Medium-Term Vascular Access

A PICC line is an essential tool for delivering medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream, often for treatments over an extended period like chemotherapy or antibiotics. While it offers significant benefits, proper care and maintenance are crucial to allow effective treatment and prevent complications like infections or blockages. 

In our video, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to care for your PICC line, including step-by-step instructions for flushing, maintaining a sterile site, and monitoring potential issues. Please always follow the instructions of your treating healthcare provider.

PIC Catheter and dressing care
Protecting your data is important to us. With a click, you give us permission to exchange data with third-party servers and can look at the video.

Steps for Proper PICC Line Care

1. Maintain a Sterile Environment 

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your PICC line.
  • Clean the catheter insertion site using an antiseptic solution.
  • Cover the insertion site with sterile dressings to protect against infection whenever the PICC line is not in use. 

2. Flushing the Line 

  • Regularly flushing your PICC line with saline can help prevent blockages and keeps the catheter working properly.
  • Gather the necessary supplies, including syringes, gloves, alcohol wipes, and a sharps container.
  • Follow these steps:
  1. Unclamp the catheter.
  2. Clean the access point with an alcohol wipe.
  3. Inject the saline solution.
  4. Reclamp the catheter when finished. 

3. Monitor for Complications 

  • Keep an eye out for symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection (such as fever or chills).
  • If you experience issues like difficulty in flushing, leaking, or damage to the catheter, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

4. Maintain Dressing Integrity 

  • Replace caps during dressing changes or after blood draws.
  • Use protective, waterproof covers to keep the site dry while bathing or showering. 

Personalized Care Plan

The information you find on these pages are general recommendations only. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, including how often to flush your catheter and replace dressings. Please always follow these instructions. 

Open communication is key – if you have concerns about your PICC line, don’t hesitate to ask your care team for guidance.

Key Signs to Watch

Be particularly alert for these symptoms, which may indicate complications: 

  • Bleeding, swelling, or pain around the insertion site.
  • Shortness of breath or dizziness.
  • Leaks, cracks, or other damage to the catheter. 

Empowering Your Treatment Journey

With proper care, maintaining a PICC line can become a straightforward part of your treatment routine. By partnering closely with your healthcare provider and following recommended care techniques, you can allow your PICC line remains effective throughout your treatment journey. 

Please note that the information within this website is not intended for self-diagnosis. It is in no way a substitute for a medical diagnosis and advice.

Image sources:

  • Key Visual: ©gumpapa - stock.adobe.com