Caring for your PICC line at home
If you have just had a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) put in your arm, there are some important things you need to know. This line is used for intravenous therapy such as medications, blood transfusions, extra fluids, or nutrition that you will need over an extended period of time.
Our special care unit strives to deliver the unbeatable experience by providing the highly effective medical equipment and home health care services to all the patients and always ensure to offer full satisfaction which enables them to become healthy and happy again.
The actual tube is about 24 inches long. It threads up your arm until it reaches the large vein above your heart. Your PICC may have one or two lines (also known as lumens); fluids will go into these lines. The PICC line generally stays in for about a month, but can be left in longer if needed and if you don’t get an infection. Regular checkups with your doctor are very important.
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.
How to care for your PICC line.
Here are some additional tips:
- Keep the dressing (or bandage) clean, dry, and secured to the skin. If it gets wet or torn, change it right away. Do not put lotions or ointments under the dressing.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer thoroughly before you handle the PICC line.
- Never use scissors on the line.
- Carry a smooth edge clamp with you in case the tubing breaks.
- You may need to flush the line with saline or heparin. Follow your doctor’s order.
- Dispose of dirty supplies in a closed trash can.
- If supplies fall on the floor, throw them out.
- Keep the clamp(s) closed when not in use and when the cap is off.
- Keep the end caps covered with an alcohol cover provided by your physician.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you can resume your normal activities such as school, work, exercise (except swimming and contact sports), and sexual activity. Avoid strenuous work like lifting objects more than 10 pounds.
- Keep your pets away from your PICC lines.
Call Us For Any Inquries
+91-87003 85938For enquiries, bookings or support, call us at +91-87003 85938
Need help? Get a call back from our support team
Contact Us
