Caring for Your Central Line (PICC) During Treatment: Tips for Patients.

If you’re receiving IV therapy at home or in an infusion center, your care team may insert a PICC line or another type of central line to give your medications safely over time. While having a central line can seem overwhelming at first, knowing how to care for it properly makes a big difference. With the right information and support, most patients manage their lines confidently — keeping treatment smooth and preventing complications. At Kariah Healthcare LLC, our experienced infusion nurses specialize in central line management. We teach every patient and caregiver how to care for their line safely, recognize warning signs early, and feel comfortable during treatment. .

What Is a Central Line or PICC Line?

• A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) or other central venous catheter is a thin, flexible tube placed into a large vein, usually in your upper arm or chest.
• It allows your care team to:.
• Give IV medications, fluids, or nutrition (like antibiotics, TPN, or IVIG).
• Draw blood for testing without multiple needle sticks
• Deliver long-term therapy safely and conveniently
• Because these lines go directly into the bloodstream, proper care is essential to prevent infection and keep your treatment on track.

Daily Central Line Care: What You Can Do


• Your nurse will show you exactly how to care for your line at home — but here are key steps to remember:
• Keep It Clean and Dry
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your line.
• Keep the dressing (bandage) clean, dry, and securely in place.
• Cover the site with a plastic wrap or waterproof cover during showers.
• Flush the Line as Instructed
• Your nurse will teach you how and when to flush your line with saline (and sometimes heparin) to keep it clear and prevent clots. Use only the syringes and technique provided by your nurse or pharmacist. Watch for Warning Signs Call your nurse or doctor right away if you notice any of the following: Redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the site Fever, chills, or body aches Pain or burning along your arm or chest Leaking fluid or a line that feels loose or damaged Line Care Support from Your Infusion Team You’re not alone in managing your PICC or central line. Our infusion nurses perform regular dressing changes, line flushes, and site inspections during your visits.
• You’re not alone in managing your PICC or central line. Our infusion nurses perform regular dressing changes, line flushes, and site inspections during your visits. We also: ✅ Teach you and your caregivers how to handle the line safely ✅ Use sterile technique and single-use supplies to prevent infections ✅ Communicate closely with your physician about your progress Outpatient infusion centers like ours follow strict infection control protocols that help prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections — a key reason why patients often face lower infection risks outside the hospital (csprx.com ). PICC Line Care: Do’s and Don’ts Here’s a simple checklist to keep your line healthy and secure: ✅ Do: ✔ Wash your hands before and after touching your line. ✔ Keep your dressing dry and clean. ✔ Flush your line exactly as instructed. ✔ Secure your tubing to prevent pulling. ✔ Report any signs of infection immediately. ❌ Don’t: ✖ Use scissors near your tubing or dressing. ✖ Let anyone draw blood or give medications through your line unless trained to do so. ✖ Go swimming or soak in a bathtub with your line. ✖ Ignore discomfort, swelling, or leakage.
• The Bottom Line
Living with a PICC or central line doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper education, routine care, and professional support, you can safely receive your infusion therapy — and focus on healing. At Kariah Healthcare LLC, our nurses are experts in central line management and patient education. We empower you with the tools and confidence to take care of your line — while we take care of you. 📞 Call us today to learn more about our infusion and central line care services: (240) 852-9384 🌐 Visit: www.kariahealth.com Kariah Healthcare LLC – Compassionate Infusion Care, Wherever You Are.

References

1. CSPRX Pharmacy Services. Preventing Infection During Home Infusion Therapy. https://csprx.com
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/intravascular-catheter-related-infection/index.html
3. National Home Infusion Association (NHIA). Best Practices for Home Infusion Nursing and Patient Safety. https://nhia.org
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. PICC Line Care at Home. https://hopkinscf.org/clinical-care/care-at-hopkins