Facts About PICC Lines

7. PICC Line Risks

PICC line insertions occasionally allow an air embolism to enter the vessel, so proper flushing techniques should be followed to remove any air in the line before the procedure. Bacteria living on the skin around the line at the entry point cause infection at the site, or they enter the bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis. The longer the PICC line is in place, the more likely infection could occur. Occasionally, the PICC line may clog, but medications can usually clear it up.

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