We have been getting requests to place CT PICCs for patients who do not have any other indication. In fact, we have put a couple in and they have been removed the same day or next day.Â
I heard a while back that some were cutting the CT PICCs to midlines for CT purposes only. I don't believe I ever heard this was common practice, though.
What are others facing and how are you addressing this?
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
Would like to add Piccs have a warning label that contrast must be warmed to body temperature or can cause catheter failure. Most CT departments with the new 64 slice ct use a multipupose bag which is not warmed. The contrast label only allows storage of contrast to 86 degrees. Many ct departments I am learning due to JACHO regulations and storage issues are tending to go away from warming contrast and no way to regulate temperatures. I know we may have to change some of our policies on even injecting them at all. I am trying to find out from bard just what catheter failure means.
thanks lisa j