I've never seen any specific restrictions as to PICC placement with INRs. You always have to weigh the patient's need for reliable venous access, versus the risk of bleeding. We are a liver failure center and place PICCs in patients with elevated INRs all the time. The key is to try to aim for the basilic vein and make it a clean stick, and not backwall the vein. Before starting, during the consent process it isimportant to inform the patient that they are at higher risk of bleeding compared to patients with normal coagulation times. PICCs are the safest central line to place in a patient with elevated INR. But there are no specific guidelines that I am aware of.
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
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
Nadine Nakazawa, RN, BS, VA-BC