We recently had a Dr order a PICC line for TPN. The Pt. already had a PICC, but since it had been in for over a week, the Dr. wanted a new line. I can't find any information out there that states a new PICC is needed for TPN.
I can understand why once TPN is started we should use a dedicated line for the TPN, but, do we really need a new PICC?
I have never seen any evidence to support the need for this. This is not stated in the INS Standards and ASPEN makes no mention of it in their guidelines or standards. TPN is a risk factor for CRBSI but there is no evidence that starting it with only a newly inserted catheter reduces that risk. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861