Overview
The most common sites for PICC line insertion are the cephalic vein (laterally) or basilic vein (medially) within the antecubital fossa or just above.
Tips for Finding a Vein
Do
- Ask the patient about their preference of arm
- Use the nondominant arm if possible
Don't
- Absolutely do not use the same arm as an AV fistula
- Don't use the same arm as a past lymph node dissection or mastectomy
- Don't insert a PICC on the same side as a pacemaker
- Don't use a limb affected by stroke
- Don't insert a needle through a burn, oedema or infected tissue
- Don't use a limb that has a DVT
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