Curious - those that have had Picc lines - when not in use - what do you put on the end of your line?
End caps? Swap Caps? No caps?
FWIW I have been using a saline lock. At the end of the extension tubing is the connector thingie (microclave?) and on the end of that I screw on a swab cap when not infusing.
What is the protocol for Picc lines regarding capping the lines?
Posted by droid1226 (Member # 34930) on :
Swab caps worked for me for yrs. Never any issues. Assuming your talking about the cap on the other end of your flushes?
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
I have not had a Picc line so not sure.
The end of the tubing for a saline lock is the connector thingie that one scrubs before doing anything. The "thingie" that one screws on the flush. Surely folks don't go around with that "thingie" not capped?
IIRC my "thingies" are: Blue - Microclave connector, or, White - Ultrasite?
I had to ask for swab caps. If I hadn't - I wonder what the infusion company would have sent me - if anything???
I am asking about these things because of a friend with a Picc line - infection already first weeks - and I am wondering if their famous hospital uses Swab caps - or what???
Thanks!
Posted by lisetteslymelife (Member # 46201) on :
When i first got my picc line placed, the hospital didnt give me anything for the protection of the end of my line. Luckily, i was already informed on what i needed from my doctor. So yes, you should have a swab cap on when not infusing (at least that is what i have been told). And yes, my experience is that my hospital did not use them. It is important to take precautions like using swab caps to prevent any unwanted bacteria getting in there. But, my LLMD has told me to remove my swab cap when taking a shower or bath because the humidity of the shower can get into your swab cap and attract bacteria or something. Also, make sure to change your swab cap every day. That is what my LLMD reccomended.
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Thanks. Interesting that the hospital did not send you home with caps of any sort???
Also - had not heard about not showering with a swab cap. Makes sense. But......could one put a new swab cap on before getting into the shower -and put a new one on once out of shower? Wonder if that would make a difference?
Posted by Notti (Member # 43843) on :
When you are using a needleless IV connector like MicroClave, UltraSite or Bionector, you do not need to use an extra cap. The needleless connector closes automatically after every use.
Vygon, the manufacturer of the Bionector, states :
Do not place a cap, plug or obturator of any sort on Bionector other than a disinfecting cap.
So a SwabCap can be used, but it's not necessary. If you disinfect the membrane of the connector with alcohol every time before accessing the connector with a syringe, you don't need a SwabCap at all. Allow the alcohol to dry for at least thirty seconds.
In general a SwabCap is used to save time in a hospital setting. The nurse can simply remove the SwabCap, eliminating the "time-consuming" procedure of disinfecting the connector with an alcohol pad.