I can not ever remember doing it and don't think I would do it. First, you would have to have a PIV infusing the blood. It would be better if that site was on the opposite side as the PICC insertion but can you always ensure that will happen. Starting a PICC on the same arm as infusing blood would pose challenges depending upon where the PIV was located. But more importantly, if there were some type of transfusion reaction to develop, the PICC insertion procedure would either be compromised or make the transfusion reaction management very difficult. If placing a PICC in one arm and blood is infusing thorugh the other arm, where will you take the required BP's during transfusion? That is just one of the problems. Seems like it would cause too much stress for the patient also. Lynn
I have inserted PICC lines during a blood transfusion.
Usually in an emergent line scenario in ICU.
I prefer not too, but each situation is different and thinking about benefits versus risk should be considered when inserting a picc during blood transfusion.
Lois Long Rajcan, MSN,RN, CRNI- Chester County Hospital , West CHester PA
We insert PICCs routinely in ICU patients e.g. liver transplants, oncology pts, etc. For patients with low platelet counts, it is not uncommon for the patient to be receiving infusions of blood products during the insertion procedure. We do try to insert the PICC in the opposite extremity of the infusing PIV.
I can not ever remember doing it and don't think I would do it. First, you would have to have a PIV infusing the blood. It would be better if that site was on the opposite side as the PICC insertion but can you always ensure that will happen. Starting a PICC on the same arm as infusing blood would pose challenges depending upon where the PIV was located. But more importantly, if there were some type of transfusion reaction to develop, the PICC insertion procedure would either be compromised or make the transfusion reaction management very difficult. If placing a PICC in one arm and blood is infusing thorugh the other arm, where will you take the required BP's during transfusion? That is just one of the problems. Seems like it would cause too much stress for the patient also. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I have inserted PICC lines during a blood transfusion.
Usually in an emergent line scenario in ICU.
I prefer not too, but each situation is different and thinking about benefits versus risk should be considered when inserting a picc during blood transfusion.
Lois Long Rajcan, MSN,RN, CRNI- Chester County Hospital , West CHester PA
We insert PICCs routinely in ICU patients e.g. liver transplants, oncology pts, etc. For patients with low platelet counts, it is not uncommon for the patient to be receiving infusions of blood products during the insertion procedure. We do try to insert the PICC in the opposite extremity of the infusing PIV.
Darcy Doellman RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC
Cincinnati Childrens