What is your rate of success in placing PICC lines? If you can see and feel the vein, then probably pretty successful. The challenge lies in the patient that has no visible access. The PICC kits usually come with two different access techniques; over the needle and MST (modified seldinger technique). Using ultrasound can improve your success rate. It may take more time to locate the equipment and set up, but it is well worth it. Studies have shown that inserting the PICC in the upper arm lessen’s the “piston” effect (movement at the insertion site) and decreases the risks of infection. Use ultrasound with every insert, this allows you to get comfortable with this skill. I look at the basillic vein first, because it gets larger in diameter as you go up the arm. Locate the vein at the antecubital region and slide the probe up the vein to visualize this. The vein gets deeper on the screen but can be easily accessed with the 7cm, 21g needle that is supplied in the kits.
Proud to Partner With:
