From the Guidelines
Yes, you can draw labs from a PICC line, but it is recommended to follow proper technique to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. PICC lines provide reliable venous access for both administering medications and obtaining blood samples. When drawing labs from a PICC line, it is essential to flush the line with saline before and after the blood draw, discard an initial amount of blood (usually 5-10 mL) to avoid dilution from infusing fluids, and use a vacuum collection system or syringe to obtain the sample 1. Some tests that require special handling, such as coagulation studies or blood cultures, may have specific protocols. Drawing labs from a PICC line is advantageous because it eliminates the need for additional needle sticks, which is particularly beneficial for patients with difficult venous access, those requiring frequent blood draws, or individuals with needle phobia. However, this practice should be performed by trained healthcare professionals following institutional protocols to minimize risks of infection, catheter damage, or occlusion.
Key Considerations
- Proper technique is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results
- Flushing the line with saline before and after the blood draw is necessary
- Discarding an initial amount of blood (usually 5-10 mL) is recommended to avoid dilution from infusing fluids
- Using a vacuum collection system or syringe to obtain the sample is preferred
- Trained healthcare professionals should perform the procedure following institutional protocols
Benefits of Drawing Labs from a PICC Line
- Eliminates the need for additional needle sticks
- Beneficial for patients with difficult venous access
- Beneficial for patients requiring frequent blood draws
- Beneficial for individuals with needle phobia It is also important to note that the use of PICC lines for drawing labs is supported by studies, such as the one by Turcotte et al. 1, which compared peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and conventional central venous catheters (CVCs) for the administration of parenteral nutrition in surgical patients. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) 1, which provides guidance on the appropriate use of PICC lines, including drawing labs.
From the Research
Drawing Labs from a PICC Line
- It is possible to draw blood samples from a PICC line, as stated in the study 2, which mentions that one of the uses of a PICC line is for blood sampling.
- The study 3 discusses the evidence-based practice of drawing blood samples from vascular access devices, including PICC lines, and provides recommendations for current practice.
- However, it is essential to follow proper techniques to minimize the risk of complications, such as hemolysis, as discussed in the study 4.
- The study 5 emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and care of central vascular access devices, including PICC lines, to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, and mentions that blood draws are one of the interventions that require careful management.
- The study 6 provides an overview of the use of PICC lines, including their indications, advantages, and disadvantages, but does not specifically discuss the procedure for drawing labs from a PICC line.