Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters

Don't place, or leave in place, peripherally inserted central catheters for patient or provider convenience.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (or "PICCs") are commonly used devices in contemporary medical practice that are associated with two costly and potentially lethal healthcare-acquired complications: central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Given the clinical and economic consequences of these complications, placement of PICCs should be limited to acceptable indications (long-term intravenous antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and frequent blood draws). PICCs should be promptly removed when acceptable indications for their use end.

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