• What is a PICC Line and Why Do I Need It?
• Indications for Needing a PICC Line
• Benefits of PICC Lines
• Risks of PICC Lines
• PICC Insertion
• Keeping Your PICC Dry
• Chloraprep - For Preventing Infection
• Removing a PICC Line
• PICC Lines in the ICU
• What Patients Need to Know
• Infection Rates in Hospitals
• How Planned Collaborative Efforts Can Decrease Surgical Site Infection Rates
• Patients in Sub-Acute Facility with PICC Lines
• Safety versus Problems of TPN Administration via PICC lines
• PICC Related Infections: The Full Spectrum
• PICC Use and Care for the Home Patient
• How to Improve PICC Insertion Techniques
• Benefits of Out Sourcing PICC Placements to Nursing Based Services
• Managing Common PICC Related Complications
• New PICC Developments
• A Second Heparin Recall

KEEPING YOUR PICC LINE DRY = REDUCING INFECTION

One of the most common complication risks occurring in home care situations is infection. Typically the infection source is directly related to the dressing, which covers the PICC insertion site, because it gets wet. However, this risk can now be greatly minimized, if not avoided altogether, with the use of a waterproof Dry Pro PICC Protector.

Maintaining a clean and dry dressing is paramount to a continued well functioning PICC line. Dressings must be changed every 7 days minimum. However, if the dressing becomes wet from water or perspiration, soiled or looses integrity, it must be changed at that time

PICC line dressings often become wet during bathing or showering. Even the most protected dressing is susceptible during bathing. Once wet, moisture and body heat become the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. As many PICC lines are inserted to treat infections at home with intravenous antibiotics, treating a secondary infection from a moist dressing can pose additional threat of additional hospitalization and longer antibiotic therapy.

But now there is a mechanism that will prevent the PICC dressing from getting wet during bathing or showering. The Dry Pro PICC Protector provides waterproof protection that even allows swimming and water sports. Invented by Dr. Roy Archambault DPM, once the flexible sleeve is placed over the dressing and PICC, a uniquely designed vacuum creates a water tight seal allowing the patient to bathe and shower freely as well as participate in swimming activities that may be important to their exercise regime. The protector is individually tailor made to provide the perfect fit for the individual's arm that resists removal even when not inflated.

Highly recommended by PICC Line Nursing, you may obtain additional information about Dry Pro PICC Line Protectors here.

Normalcy of life is a documented boost for healing. Bathing, showering, and swimming (especially now that summer is approaching), with minimal worry about the risk to the PICC line dressing because it can now be waterproofed, can make the difference between expected and dreaded treatment time and possible complications versus expected treatment without complications. And remember - most complications stem from wet dressings.