I am trying to update our PICC flushing policy and was trying to see what the difference is between a Power PICC and a Power PICC Solo. According to Bard recommendations and the company who places our picc lines, the Picc Solo only needs flushed weekly with saline if not in use. Is anyone familiar with them and can tell me what the difference is?'
Thank you!
The SOLO brand of catheters from Bard contains a valve built into the catheter hub. You should go to the Bard website and download their instructions for use so you have the information directly from the manufacturer. When catheters with integral valves were first introduced, a once weekly flush of saline is what those instructions stated. If the catheter is being used for scheduled infusions, flushing and locking would be required before and after each infusion. If the catheter is not being used for infusions, why is it being allowed to remain in place. If it is not being used on a regular basis, it is no longer needed, standards call for it to be removed, and no weekly flushing would be done. 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
This what I thought. I did go to Bard, but my manager felt the information was too old and not accurate. I don't believe she understood what I was asking her.
I have tried to have this removed, but the ordering physician is requesting to keep this in until tissue culture results are received. How long do I allow this to be in before I tell him it can no longer stay in?
Thank you
Laura Countermon
See the 2016 INS Standard on VAD Removal. Culture results should take no more than 3 days. If the results show that IV drugs are not needed, the PICC should be removed immediately. 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