We had an order to do a therapeutic phlebotomy (500cc) for iron overlaod through a mediport.  The INS standards state (S72)that implaned ports, piccs tunneled catheters should not be used for therapeutic phlebotomy. Does anyone know the rationale for this contraindication? Thanks in advance for your help.
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
Lisa Y., Team Leader IV Team UPMC St. Margaret Pittsburgh
We had a physician who wrote an order for us to perform therapeutic phlebotomy through an artline when a peripheral stick was impossible. YIPES!
Has anyone ever heard of this? We refused, but he talked an ICU nurse into doing it when we left the unit.
Lisa Y., RN, BSN University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/Horizon IV Therapy