A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) infection occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream through or around a central line catheter . A peripherally inserted central catheter is a long, thin tube that is inserted through a vein in the arm. The catheter is threaded through the arm vein until it reaches a larger vein close to the heart. Commonly called a PICC line, it is used to deliver medicine, nutrition, IV fluids, and chemotherapy .
If bacteria start to grow on the central line catheter , they can easily enter the blood and cause a serious infection. This can lead to a condition called sepsis , which occurs when bacteria overwhelm the body. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor right away.
Bacteria normally live on the skin. Since the catheter is inserted through your skin, these bacteria will sometimes track along the outside of the catheter. From the catheter, they can get into your bloodstream.
These factors increase your chances of developing this infection:
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to an infection. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
When you are getting a PICC line placed, the staff will take the following steps to reduce your risk of infection:
After the PICC line is in place, the staff will:
There are also steps that you can take to reduce your risk of infection:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Society of Critical Care Medicine
http://www.sccm.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Communicable Disease Control Unit (Manitoba Health)
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/index.html/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Central venous catheter. American Thoracic Society website. Available at: http://www.thoracic.org/sections/education/patient-education/patient-information-series/resources/en/central-venous-catheter.pdf. Accessed September 23, 2009.
FAQs: Catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/guidelines/BSI_largertext.pdf. Accessed January 12, 2010.
Marschall J, Mermel LA, Classen D, et al. Strategies to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections in acute care hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2008 Oct;29 Suppl 1:S22-30.
Neff D. Preventing infections during surgery: what hospital staff and patients can do. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034. Updated January 2010. Accessed January 12, 2010.
Professional Guide to Diseases. 9th ed. Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.
Smith N, Walsh K, and Pravikoff D. Central venous catheter care. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=860. Published May 8, 2009. Accessed September 23, 2009.
Walsh K. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) care: an overview. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=860. Published August 28, 2009. Accessed September 14, 2009.
Wood D. Blood poisoning. EBSCO Health Library. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15&topicID=81. Updated November 2008. Last updated November 17, 2008. Accessed September 23, 2009.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ronald Nath, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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