What is a PICC line? A PICC Line Resource Guide
If you are visiting this page it’s probably because you or someone you know has gotten or is about to get a PICC line. We’ve been there, too. Having sourced and gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about PICC lines, we present them here for you, all in one convenient place.
Please feel free to share this PICC Line Resource page. We at Cast Cover Fashions, wish you all the best during your treatments!! Remember, always talk to you doctor, nurse, or health professional for more information on specific ways to care for and protect your PICC line. Shop PICC Cover Fashions now.
What is a PICC line?
A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). It is a long, soft, flexible, thin tube that is inserted into your body, through a vein in your upper arm and into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava. In some rare instances, a PICC may be placed in your leg.
What is a PICC line used for?
A PICC line is used to carry medicines or nutrients directly into the blood stream. The PICC can also be used to draw blood, to deliver contrast before an imaging test, or for blood transfusions. A PICC line is needed when intravenous treatments are over a long period of time or if there is difficulty in drawing blood as usual. A PICC helps avoid the need for frequent repeated needle sticks and thus reduces the risk of irritation to the smaller veins in the arm.
How long can a PICC line stay?
A PICC may stay in for weeks or months depending on the treatment.
How do you protect a PICC line?
Your PICC line needs to be secured in place and covered by a dressing to prevent accidental dis-lodgement or removal and to prevent infection. Check with your doctor or nurse about how often you will need change your dressing.
What is a PICC line Cover?
A PICC line cover is a fabric sleeve that is often worn over a PICC line’s medical dressings for additional coverage, protection and security. A PICC line cover for daily use will help conceal the PICC line, hubs, and all the medical dressings that can make a patient uncomfortable and self-conscious to others.
PICC Cover Fashions TM is the original picc line cover designed to keep your PICC line covered, safe, and secure. These soft, comfy, and cozy picc sleeves are available in a variety of trend setting, celebrity worthy, colors and patterns you won’t find anywhere else. So why not turn healing time into some fashion fun and feel confident, empowered and strong. In addition to standard sizes, PICC Cover Fashions TM is the only picc line cover available in custom-sizes for a picc perfect fit!
Fun Fact: Did you know that the PICC Cover Fashions was the original full line of fashionable picc line covers? Read the complete story about how we got started . . .
Can you swim with a PICC line?
A PICC line needs to remain dry. Avoid submerging the PICC line in water, as in swimming, bathing, or using a hot tub. Talk to your doctor, nurse, of health professional for more information of specific ways to protect your PICC line.
How do you protect a PICC line in the shower?
It is safe to shower with a PICC line as long as the insertion site and hubs don’t get wet. You’ll need to cover the PICC with an additional waterproof cover, like a picc line cover for the shower.
The PICC Shower Soc TM allows you to continue your daily routine with minimal interruption and inconvenience. This disposable, lightweight, plastic sleeve makes showering with a PICC line easy and convenient. Simply slip the water resistant picc line shower cover up over your arm and position in place. Two elastic ends seal to prevent water from entering keeps a PICC line dry while showering.
Helpful Resources: How to care for your PICC line
Our list of additional resources, tips, and helpful information on how to care for your picc line.
DISCLAIMER: This information presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace any professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor, nurse, or health professional for information of specific ways to protect the arm and care for the arm with the PICC line.
Copyright 2019, Cast Cover Fashions, A member of The Learning Loft, LLC family. Permission is granted to copy this page, provided a link back to the page this cited.