LymeNet Flash: PICC line & dial flow regulator- too slow

This is topic PICC line & dial flow regulator- too slow in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by MommaK (Member # 10376) on :

Hi! [hi]

My daughter has a PICC line and is now taking IV meds in a bag with a dial to regulate the flow.

Running to wide open should administer the meds over 1 hour. It's taking 3 plus hours.

I think she has a pediatric line which is smaller in diameter. Could this be the problem, or should it be checked out for partial blockage.

Anyone else have problems with the dials, or the line like this? Any suggestions?

Thanks, MommaK [Smile]

Posted by notkrazybrian (Member # 10621) on :

hmm thats strange what drug? i had dial a flow with it wide open it should take 1 hour? what dosage?

Posted by knshore (Member # 13451) on :

Do you know the gauge of her line? I had a double lumen, and one would take a lot longer than the other...so it could be the gauge of the line.

That may help people get an idea of what may be causing the problem.

Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :

I have a pedeatric line which was actually first used on preemies....it is small. My IV runs slower than a normal line because of it's small size.

However, it does not run as slow as you are stating....3 hours for a one hour dose? Seems a bit too slow.

Posted by MommaK (Member # 10376) on :

Hi All [hi]

The drug is Cipro 400mg IV twice a day. No problem with roceohin push! Can't push cipro though.

I do not know the gauge of her line, I just remember the nurse saying it was smaller than they usually use. Maybe because my daughter was 18 at the time they used a pediatric line?

It is a double lumen. Nurse doing education said use the red one for drawing labs, and the white one for infusion.

We go get labs drawn tomorrow. Will inquire about it. If it gets pulled and replaced with a port or another picc I assume I will be paying for it as the insurance co is not paying for anymore iv treatments. Some of the stitches came loose this week. I guess they could be replaced if the line checks out OK.

Also the dial a flow tubing does not empty from the chamber when finished. The other tubing we used from another company that we regulated with a clamp would more completely empty the medicine from the line. Less wasted. This stuff is expensive, I want to get as much as we can into her!

Thanks for your replies!

MommaK