AJIC (American Journal of Infection Control)
March 2010 Volume 38 Number 2, pages 149 - 153
PICCAs (Peripherally Inserted Venous catheters) are a safe alternative to high-risk short term CVC (centrally insered vebous catheters).
Authors: B Rait,MD;M Fakih,MD MPH; N Bryan-Nomides, MT MS; D Hopfner, RN; E Riegel, RN; Trudy Nenninger,RN; J Rey, MT(ASCP);S Szpunar,PhD; Detroit, Michigan
Background: PICCs serveas an alternative to short term CVC for provining IV access in the hospital setting. It is not clear which device has a lower risk of CLABSI( Central line associated blood stream infection). Comparision was made between PICC and CVC related CLABSI rates.
Results: 638 cvc were placed for a total of 4917 catheter days, of which 12 patients had CLABSI for a rate of 2.4/1000 catheter days (12 divided by 4917 x 1000)
A total of 622 PICCs placed for a total of 5703 catheter days of which 13 patients had CLABSI for a rate of 2.5/1000 catheter days (13 divided by 5703 x 1000)
The median time for a patient to develop a CLABSI with a PICC was significantly longer 23 days vs 13 fo CVC
Conclusion: the infection rate with PICCsand CVCs was about the same, but the length pof time for a CLABSI to develop was almost doubled. Therefor a PICC may be a better and safe choice for prolonged inpatient IV access.
