Is there a timeframe in which rewiring a PICC would be contraindicated? Our PICC team has been searching to inquire what would be the best practice. Thanks
Are you talking about changing PICC lines out over a wire. In the past as long as the site looked intact and Infection was not suspected I would consider attempting an exchange regardless of dwell time.
I agree with fizerjk; however, if you are talking about putting a wire in to reposition a malpositioned PICC, we would not manipulate a catheter after just a few hours. Also, the more manipulations the greater the risk of infection; therefore, after two repositions we pull it back to suboptimal placement or d/c it and start over on the other side if possible.
Jeffery Fizer RN, BSN