Another possible explanation is the use of the stylet in advance of the PICC tip--I have observed nurses using the stylet to check the patency of the vein--slowly advancing it thru the vein in advance of the PICC when the path seems tortuous-- sometimes after the PICC is fully advanced by pulling the sylet back one can sense a malposition--then when the stylet is rethreaded it does not return to the exact place within the catheter--perhaps even extending a bit beyond the tip--I'm not sure either of these are common or even legitimate practice techniques
--
Robbin K. George RN
Vascular Access Resource
Alexandria Hospital Virginia
