The question came up at my facility today; can interventional radiology techs advance, and flush PICC lines? Our techs are going to units when the line will not flush and trouble shooting, does this fall under their scope of practice? Would appreciate any feedback on this and what interventional radiologist techs do at other facilities, is this an accepted practice?
Darla Taylor RN MSN
Medical/Surgical Educator
No VAD that has been in contact with skin can never advanced into the puncture site by anyone, ever. They must know how to correctly assess patient, remaining time and types of therapy, all signs & symptoms etc. rad techs may have knowledge and skills for insertion but not sure if they could do this needed assessment. I have never seen anything from their professional organization standards about this. 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