What Are PICC Lines?

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) is a type of central line. A central line (also called a central venous catheter) is like an intravenous (IV) line. But it is much longer than a regular IV and goes all the way up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. The other end of the PICC line stays outside of the body, usually where the arm bends. It may divide into more than one line. The end of each line is covered with a cap.

A patient can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through a PICC line. It also can be used to draw blood.

Why Is a PICC Line Used Instead of a Regular IV (Intravenous) Line?

A PICC line is thicker and more durable than a regular IV. It's also much longer and goes farther into the vein. Doctors use a PICC line instead of a regular IV line because:

  • It can stay in place longer (up to 3 months and sometimes a bit more).
  • It lowers the number of needle sticks a child needs for blood draws.
  • Patients can get large amounts of fluids or medicines (like chemotherapy) that might not go through regular IVs.

A PICC line can help someone:

  • with a serious infection so they can get IV antibiotics for a few weeks
  • with cancer so they can get chemotherapy and blood tests through the line
  • who needs IV nutrition
  • who will need many blood transfusions

What Happens During a PICC Line Placement?

Doctors place PICC lines in an operating room, intensive care unit, or interventional radiology suite. The patient is sedated (given medicine to relax) or gets general anesthesia (to go to sleep) so they won't feel pain.

A PICC line is shown under a child's skin near the heart.

To place the line, a doctor will:

  1. Clean and numb the skin where the PICC line goes in.
  2. Put the PICC line into a vein (usually a vein where the arm bends) using ultrasound to guide where the line goes.
  3. Thread the PICC line up to a large vein near heart.
  4. Check the placement of the PICC line with an X-ray.
  5. Place a dressing (bandage) over the PICC line.

Putting in a PICC line takes about 15–20 minutes.

Are There Any Risks to a PICC Line?

Most of the time, there are no problems with a PICC line. If problems do happen, it is usually because the line gets infected or stops working. Very rarely, a PICC line can cause a blood clot. Doctors review the risks with families before placing the PICC line.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Check the PICC line area every day and call the doctor right away if:

  • There are signs of an infection, such as:
    • a fever
    • redness or swelling near where the line is
    • pain or tenderness where the line is
  • The line comes out or gets blocked (can't be flushed).

How Can Parents Help?

At home, a child's PICC line needs special care to prevent infection and keep it working well. It's normal to feel a little bit nervous caring for the PICC line at first, but soon you'll feel more comfortable. You'll get supplies to use at home, and a visiting nurse may come to help you when you first get home.

Before your child goes home, ask your health care team:

  • how often to change the dressing
  • when and how to flush the line
  • what to do if the line gets blocked or comes out
  • how to give medicines through the line (if you will be giving medicines at home)
  • if the line has caps, how often to change them
  • which physical activities are OK for your child (most kids need to avoid rough play and contact sports)
  • if any special care is needed to protect the line while your child bathes
  • what signs of infection to watch for

Tell your child's teachers, school nurse, counselor, and physical education teacher about the PICC line. They can make sure your child avoids any activities that may damage the line, and help support your child during treatment.

Back to Articles

Related Articles

Central Lines (Central Venous Catheters)

A central line, or central venous catheter, is much longer than a regular IV. Doctors use them to give medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition to patients.

Read More

Tunneled Central Lines

These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

Read More

Implanted Ports

An implanted port is a type of central line that goes up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A child can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through one.

Read More

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.

Read More

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a big word for treatment with medicines used to help people who have cancer. This medicine kills the cancer cells that are making the person sick.

Read More

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells. Find out how chemo works and what to expect when getting treatment.

Read More

Blood Transfusions

About 5 million people a year get blood transfusions in the United States. This article explains why people need them and who donates the blood used.

Read More

Cancer Basics

Get the basics on cancer and cancer treatments in this article.

Read More

Dealing With Cancer

It's unusual for teens to have cancer, but it can happen. The good news is that most will survive and return to their everyday lives. Learn about how to cope if you or someone you know has cancer.

Read More

Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer

This promising new type of cancer treatment stimulates a person's immune system so it is better able to fight disease.

Read More

What Is Cancer?

When kids get cancer, it can often be treated and cured. Find out more in this article for kids.

Read More

What Is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a way for doctors to treat problems like vascular anomalies and tumors.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.