Where is the triple lumen catheter inserted - IJ, axillosubclavian, femoral? Was it inserted under good aseptic conditions? Why does it need to be removed? There is no max dwell time for any VAD. To rule in or out this catheter as the source of an infection and thus the need to remove it, you need paired blood cultures. One from TLC and one set from a peripheral vein and compare the results. So an elevated WBC alone is no valid reason to remove the TLC and it is not a valid reason to prohibit placement of a PICC.
Where is the triple lumen catheter inserted - IJ, axillosubclavian, femoral? Was it inserted under good aseptic conditions? Why does it need to be removed? There is no max dwell time for any VAD. To rule in or out this catheter as the source of an infection and thus the need to remove it, you need paired blood cultures. One from TLC and one set from a peripheral vein and compare the results. So an elevated WBC alone is no valid reason to remove the TLC and it is not a valid reason to prohibit placement of a PICC.
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