Since central lines in the chest and groin in our institution require a dressing change every 3 days or prn, should tunneled piccs in the chest/groin require a dressing as frequently? Â
I am not sure what you mean by a "tunneled PICC in the chest/groin". That is not a PICC. The frequency for changing dressings on all types of central venous catheters, including a PICC, is the same frequency. If your hospital policy is every 3 days, then all CVC dressings should be changed at least every 3 days, and any time they are wet, dirty, or non-adherent to the skin. Lynn
I wonder if she (Jean) is talking about the PowerHohn made by Bard? Our physicians were calling it a "tunnelled PICC" which caused some confusion until I was able to do some research with the assistance of the Bard Rep. The PowerHohn is not a PICC but a central line which has a VitaCuff antimicrobial cuff to help prevent infection. They can be placed as a tunnelled or non-tunnelled catheter. You can use them for power injection, also.
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