Center Line Dressing

At home you will need to change the dressing that protects the catheter site. A nurse or technician will show you how to change the dressing. Use the information below to help remind you of the steps. You have a central venous catheter. This is a tube that goes into a vein in your chest and ends at your heart. It helps carry nutrients or medicine into your body. It is also used to take blood when you need to have blood tests.

What to Expect at Home

The PICC carries nutrients and medicines into your body. It may also be used to draw blood when you need to have blood tests.

Dressing Changes

A dressing is a special bandage that blocks germs and keeps your catheter site dry and clean. You should change the dressing about once a week. You need to change it sooner if it becomes loose or gets wet or dirty.

Since a PICC is placed in one of your arms and you need two hands to change the dressing, it is best to have someone help you with the dressing change. Your nurse will teach you how your dressing should be changed. Have the person who helps you also watch and listen to the nurse's or technician's instructions.

Your doctor has given you a prescription for the supplies you need. You can buy these items at a medical supply store. It helps to know the name of your catheter and what company makes it. Write this information down and keep it handy.