Could anyone help me determine whether or not there are any written guidelines for practitioners to use when determining the appropriate size of PICC lines that need to be placed in pediatric patients? Is there any particular formula you can use or are there any best practice guidelines? Does the fact that antibiotics will be administered over several weeks and the fact that labs will be drawn during that timeframe to determine blood levels play into the consideration?
Thank you,
Lane Holloway
Generally, the fact that antibiotics are given and lab is needed does not enter to the process of catheter size selection. I am not aware of written guidelines about catheter size. The pediatric PICC nurses usually base the size of the catheter on the size of the vein, the vein choice (basilic vs. cephalic), and the length required for the child. Cephalic vein, smaller catheter.
Sometimes, the age of the patient is also considered. Under 3, no 4 french catheter, except rare situations of needing a dual lumen for a short period of time.
Hope this helps.
Gwen Irwin
Austin, Texas
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