In order to ensure patency and avoid catheter occlusion, the PICC line should be flushed before and after infusion with any substance (e.g. antibiotics, medications, etc) or when any blood sample is taken. Flushing is done with normal saline, heparin, or hepaline and both the volume and method vary according to patient size and procedure.

 

Note: Never connect a syringe with a volume less than 10mL to an adult central line catheter. The pressure is too high when injecting or withdrawing and might damage the catheter.