PICC Line (Peripherally inserted central catheter)

This type of line enters either the Brachial or Cephalic veins in your upper arm (A). It then travels up the arm until the tip enters the large vein (B) just outside the heart (C). From the heart, large blood vessels take the nutrients to all parts of the body.

A PICC line can be inserted using x-ray guidance or sometimes at the bedside by a specially trained health care professional. If cared for well, this line can stay in place for 1-2 years. A strict non-touch technique (ANTT) must be used at all times whenever handling the line by yourself or others to prevent contamination by germs or organisms which can cause infection.