Is a 24 hour post PICC replacement dressing change needed when there is no gauze or blood under the tegaderm? I know that if there had been a biopatch placed it would not be necessary as long as there is no blood. First one like this for me so I want to make sure I do the right thing. Thanks. Valorie
The origin of the need for a 24 h dressing change on PICCs came about when PICCs were placed by a through the introducer method. The introducer was larger than the PICC, usually a 17g or even a 15 g needle. This large hole caused bleeding, thus the need to change the dressing. We have now changed to the MST procedure that usually does not leave a bloody dressing because the puncture site is smaller. So if it is not dirty, wet or nonocclusive, the dressing does not need to be changed. 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
Thanks Lynn. That was my thought as well but since we have no one else in our organization who is certified in infusion to toss ideas around with I rely on "my IV-Therapy family". :) Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC