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Guide to PICC Maintenance

A central venous access device (CVAD) or central venous catheter (CVC) is commonly referred to as a central line. A central line is placed into the central venous vasculature and the CVAD tip is placed in the lower third of the superior vena cava or at the cavoatrial junction.

The PICC is a very small gauge catheter (3-6FR), typically 50 to 60 cm in length, inserted percutaneously into an upper extremity vein and then threaded to the superior vena cava (SVC) or cavoatrial junction (CAJ). This type of CVAD is used for short or long-term infusion therapies lasting from 7 days to months.

PICCs come in a variety of configurations. Multi-lumen, valved, non-valved, distally or proximally valved, power injectable, antimicrobial and antiseptic catheters. Having manufacturer's directions and details can be a helpful tool in understanding the proper care and maintenance of the catheter being used.

Please note: These lists are for reference and educational use only. Pedagogy does not recommend the use of any product or product manufacturer.

Download a printable copy of the Guide to PICC Maintenance

This resource accompanies our Current Practices in the Management of Central Lines continuing education course, which is also part of of many of our IV Certification course packages.

Guide to PICC Maintenance

TASK	HOW	FREQUENCY	WHY
Accessing Connector / Cap	Scrub the hub thoroughly with alcohol for 15-30 seconds Consider using disinfection caps	Every time you: Enter the connector to flush, Administer medication, or Connect any tubing	Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line
Blood Draw	Aseptic Technique Slowly using 10mL or larger syringe Flush with 10 mL NS before and 20mL NS after	Per Licensed Practitioner orders or routine lab work	Reduces needle sticks
Assess Need	Evaluate the need for IV meds or fluids with the patient care team	Every shift	Longer catheter dwell times lead to higher risk of infection Remove catheter if not needed
Site Evaluation	Observe site for signs of infection: redness, edema, drainage, tenderness, etc.	Every shift and as needed	Consistent monitoring leads to faster treatment of complications
Flushing / Locking	Scrub the connector Know manufacturer directions for flushing /clamp/syringe removal sequence Use commercially prefilled 10mL size syringes Do not force or push against resistance Consider Push/Pause Technique	Before and after every medication Before and after every blood draw If not in use: Non-valved: every 24 hours Valved: once a week	Prevents incompatible fluids/medications from combining Flush after each infusion to clear the catheter lumen
Needleless Access Device Change	Aseptic technique Scrub the hub with alcohol	Change with admin set or every 7 days After a lab draw	Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line
Dressing Change	Aseptic technique Sterile dressing change kit Use clear dressings (TSM) without gauze underneath; consider antimicrobial disc Gauze and tape for patients with skin irritation Securement device Label date, time, initials	Every 7 days or when dressing is loose, wet, or soiled Gauze dressings should be changed every 48 hours Securement device should be changed with dressing Antimicrobial disk with each dressing	Helps prevents infection Clear dressing allows for visualization of the site Securement device prevents catheter movement, dislodgement, and phlebitis Label communicates dressing age

Are you a manufacturer of a PICC line product that isn't listed here? Please contact us at support@pedagogy-inc.com and we would be more than happy to list your device as well.