I am interested in hearing what your practice is regarding Vanco levels, and other lab draws, thru a PICC line. In our home situation, we have (for years) drawn labs from the lines. In many cases it would be the only way to obtain the specimen. I spoke with one of our ID docs years ago regarding this, and was given approval. This same doc, "Dr. B", has recently had discussion with the hospital we are associated with, and is ADAMANT that no labs be drawn thru PICCs as "no matter how well flushed, some of the drug still adheres to the line giving false reports." He also stated that this "is the practice in most major hospitals." (to not use the line for labs). The hospital is in the process of re-writing the policies based on "best practices" with what Dr. B is saying.Â
I am looking for something to support our practice and offer to the hospital before they change their policy. Or am I wrong? We've only been doing it for probably 12 years!
 Thanks!
ann
Angelo M. Aguila, MSN, RN, VA-BC
Vascular Access Nurse
[email protected]
Carol Sweeney, CRNI, Vice President of Nursing & Clinical Compliance ContinuumRx
Is there a problem with drawing aPTT from the PICC lumen not being used for heparin infusion...if the heparin infusion is stopped for a short period first?
T. Nauman RN, CRNI