Have been working with implanted ports since they were first
available in the 1970s.
Have always used a 22 non-coring needle unless the patient is getting
frequent blood transfusions.
Have never had one break, have never heard of one breaking.
Can infuse parenteral nutrition without difficulty.
Can draw lab samples just fine as long as you do it gently.
The only time I have had difficulty drawing labs was because the port
was not flushed adequately and it had some sludge / build up of
fibrin in the chamber. This would clog the 22 on aspiration, but the
real problem there is not the needle gauge - it's the lack of
flushing. (That type of fibrin build up can also cause an occlusion
when infusing. blocks the hole where the IV fluid enters the catheter.)
One of the port manufacturers used to have a chart that showed the
number of times that you can puncture the silicone septum of a port.
With a 22 ga they guesstimate that it will withstand at least 2000
punctures, with a 19 ga I think it went down to only about 300 - 400
punctures. (A lot depends on the size and shape of the silicone plug
that seals the port chamber. The smaller the port is, the faster it
wears out.)
/Martha - Boston
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Michelle Hansen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Here in the this hospital, when we access our ports we always use
a 20g
and various length needles, a pt who is on TPN at home uses a 22g. My
Question is, is okay to use a 22g for TPN and lab draws?
Thanks,
Michelle
Michelle Hansen, RN
Northeast Baptist PICC Nurse
office 297-2422
pager 235-9779
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