How Do You Change Dressing On A PICC Line?
Your child or spouse is finally released from the hospital, but she still needs an IV. A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a soft plastic tube that lasts much longer than the standard IV because the tip goes in a very large vein just above the heart. Caring for the PICC at home is not hard, but it must remain absolutely sterile. Change the dressing once a week or anytime it gets wet, loose or dirty. Clean your work surface. Wipe with alcohol preps or soap and water. Wood is bacteria’s happy place. It you must use a wooden surface, place aluminum foil or plastic wrap over the work area. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Rinse and dry with a paper towel. Rub an alcohol prep pad over the tape and dressing. Carefully remove all of the tape holding down the dressing. Hold the hub of the PICC line down on the arm. This is very important so you do not accidentally pull the line out. Loosen the dressing around the edges. Pull very gently and slowl
