PICC Line: How to Care for Your Child

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) is a type of intravenous (IV) line. A PICC line is much longer than a regular IV. It goes all the way up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. 

A PICC line can be used to give a child medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition. It also can be used to draw blood. 

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. These instructions will help you care for your child's PICC line.  

Care Instructions

Follow your health care team's recommendations for:

  • when and how to flush the line
  • what to do if the line gets blocked or comes out
  • how to give medicines through the PICC line (if you will be giving medicines at home)
  • which physical activities are OK for your child (most kids with a PICC line need to avoid rough play and contact sports)
  • how often to change the dressing (a type of bandage) and caps
  • how to protect the PICC line while your child bathes
  • how to know if there is an infection

You'll get supplies to use at home, and a visiting nurse may come to help you when you first get home.

Call Your Health Care Provider if...

Your child has any of these signs that the PICC line is infected:

  • a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above
  • redness or swelling near where the line is
  • pain or tenderness where the line is

The line comes out or is not working. 

More to Know

Who gets a PICC line? A PICC line may be placed for 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

Why is a PICC line used instead of a regular IV (intravenous) line? Health care providers might use a PICC line instead of a regular IV line because:

  • It can stay in place for a longer time — up to 3 months and sometimes a bit longer.
  • It can be used to draw blood.
  • It can be used to give a large amount of fluids or medicines (like chemotherapy) that might not be able to go through regular IVs.