RE: blood draws from PICCs

[Blais, Gail]

I agree with the other responses re: radiology backing-up the issue and demonstrating. I've used the example of cheesecloth around the end of the straw, you can blow bubbles into a glass of water but the cheesecloth gets sucked in and blocks the straw when you try to drink (for fibrin sheaths of course). I think the major thing is that everyone is consistant in what is said. We had difficulty with a mentally/physically challanged young women who formed fibrin sheaths quickly on her Port (3hr tPa would work but became more hassle than it was worth, due to sedation time needed, extra trips to hosp etc). Problem was, Mom apparently was told by family Dr that the problem was the Port wasn't being flushed properly by the nurse removing the Huber needle! Nothing like instilling confidence in the nurses by a Dr who is very nice but, obviously, not too knowlegible about the issue.  Gail -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Rinehart, Nancy Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:17 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: blood draws from PICCs We have a family member who is furious that we have been unable to draw blood from her mothers PICC every day.  We have been successful 7 out of 11 times but that’s not good enough.  She will not listen nor does she understand why it cannot always be done.  Anybody have any suggestions that I can offer her in explanation?  I’ve discussed the obvious from my perspective but nothing that she will accept.  I’m all out of ideas and could use a few suggestions form you all Thanks for any help you can give me