Our PICC Team consists of 2 RNs and 2 IR Rad Techs. A nice mix as if we have a failed bedside position,we can move the patient to the IR suite and reposition without a Radiologist. Were a 24/7 coverage facility and do get after hour calls for declotting. I am competent to do the declot procedure, but after doing  one Nursing Administration said  that the Rad Techs couldnt do the declots. Now when one the techs are on call, we have to call in one of the IR RNs on our team...if we can reach one....If the patient cant wait till the next day we have to replace or place a new PICC.  In NC our Board of Nursing accepts the Scope of Practice for a Radiologic Technologist to place and remove PICCs.....Can anyone direct me to any facility that allows the RT to do Declots????????
                                                                                      Thanks.....Wayne Clay,RT=R
The scope of practice in your state may clarify/specifiy if Rad Techs can access central lines to give medications, and if so, may also be specific to the medications they can administer. If the state scope is not, then your hospital policy would apply. The ASRT guidelines may also address this, and some hospitals follow their guidelines for scope when the state is not specific. Hope this helps.
Chris Cavanaugh, CRNI
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC