Peripherally-Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

This is a thin, flexible tube that goes from an easy-to-reach vein to a large vein in your body just above your heart. Your medical team gives you fluids, nutrition and medicine though this tube. They can also sample your blood through this tube without sticking you with another needle. A PICC line can stay in your body for a much longer time than a regular IV.

Watch these tips to keeping your long-term PICC line infection-free and in good working order, and how to recognize infections and serious health complications.

If you're leaving the hospital with a PICC line, or peripherally inserted central catheter, it is important to know why you have the PICC line what questions to ask of your care provider and your role in maintaining it and avoiding infection. This video helps explains your PICC line care. 

Learn the steps for caring for your IV catheter at home.

Learn helpful everyday tips to ensure your central venous catheter stays clean, infection free, and in good working order.

Learn about using a central venous catheter for hemodialysis to clean your blood, if you have kidney failure.