Since central lines in the chest and groin in our institution require a dressing change every 3 days or prn, should tunneled piccs in the chest/groin require a dressing as frequently? Â
I am not sure what you mean by a "tunneled PICC in the chest/groin". That is not a PICC. The frequency for changing dressings on all types of central venous catheters, including a PICC, is the same frequency. If your hospital policy is every 3 days, then all CVC dressings should be changed at least every 3 days, and any time they are wet, dirty, or non-adherent to the skin. Lynn
I wonder if she (Jean) is talking about the PowerHohn made by Bard? Our physicians were calling it a "tunnelled PICC" which caused some confusion until I was able to do some research with the assistance of the Bard Rep. The PowerHohn is not a PICC but a central line which has a VitaCuff antimicrobial cuff to help prevent infection. They can be placed as a tunnelled or non-tunnelled catheter. You can use them for power injection, also.
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