I do not have such a chart but this decision is based upon the characteristics of the prescribed therapy including final osmolarity and pH, the vesicant and irritant nature of the therapy and the length of time the therapy will be required. A midline can not substitute for a PICC. When the pH is less than 5 or greater than 9 or the osmolarity is greater than 600, a PICC is indicated regardless of the length of time the therapy is needed. Vesicants are not acceptable through a midline also due to the tissue depth of the tip location and the risk of artery and nerve damage if extravasation occurs. Midlines are usually indicated when the therapy will be needed for 1 to 4 weeks and it fits the pH and osmolarity recommendations. Otherwise, a PICC is needed. Lynn
I do not have such a chart but this decision is based upon the characteristics of the prescribed therapy including final osmolarity and pH, the vesicant and irritant nature of the therapy and the length of time the therapy will be required. A midline can not substitute for a PICC. When the pH is less than 5 or greater than 9 or the osmolarity is greater than 600, a PICC is indicated regardless of the length of time the therapy is needed. Vesicants are not acceptable through a midline also due to the tissue depth of the tip location and the risk of artery and nerve damage if extravasation occurs. Midlines are usually indicated when the therapy will be needed for 1 to 4 weeks and it fits the pH and osmolarity recommendations. Otherwise, a PICC is needed. 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
At the top of the page under Forms, Flowsheets and Consents
Peter Marino R.N. BSN CRNI VA-BC Hospital based staff R.N. with no affiliation to any product or health care company.