Insertion of a PICC line is a relatively routine procedure done on over 2.5 million patients globally per year. However, it can also lead to serious complications at a rate of 16.4% to 28.8% if the line is not inserted correctly. Post-insertion infections (PII) are common in patients who have PICC lines.

These infections occur within days or weeks of the IV insertion procedure. They result from the bacteria in the patient’s skin, blood, or other tissue getting into the tubing during the insertion of the PICC line.

Although PICC lines have revolutionized long-term intravenous access, they also come with a set of risks. This article will explore infections associated with PICC and preventive measures.

What are PICC Lines and Infections or Risks Associated with the Procedure

A PICC line is a catheter (tube) inserted into an arm vein and then threaded through the veins until it reaches the heart. It is used when you need antibiotics delivered directly into your bloodstream over a long period of time.

Some of those who may undergo this procedure are:

• Patients needing long-term IV therapy for conditions like cancer, infections, or digestive disorders.
• Patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for malnourishment.
• Individuals for whom administering medications are too harsh or irritating for peripheral veins.
• Those with frequent blood draws or lab tests.
• Patients receiving hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease.
• Patients receiving antibiotics for sepsis or other severe infections.
• Individuals who need medications that cannot be given orally.

In instances where the treatment isn’t done correctly, the patient may suffer from the following:

1. Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs)

PICC lines are sources of serious bacterial infections known as catheter-related bloodstream infections. These infections are caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

The common symptoms of CRBSIs are:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Pain or swelling in the arm where the catheter is inserted into the vein

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. DVT occurs in both arms or legs. This may lead to complications, such as pulmonary embolism, if it moves from its original location in the deep veins to smaller blood vessels in other parts of the body.

Symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Pain or tenderness in an arm or leg
• Warm skin overlying an area with DVT
• Red discoloration
• Discomfort when walking

3. Local Infections

Local infection occurs at the IV insertion site when a patient has not followed proper PICC line care instructions. These types of infections are rare and often caused by improper insertion techniques rather than poor hygiene practices.

Local infections resolve without medical intervention within two weeks. However, if they progress to sepsis or bacteremia, antibiotic therapy may be necessary to clear up the infection before it spreads and becomes life-threatening.

4. Occlusion

Occlusion refers to the obstruction of flow in an intravenous line. It is a common problem and is caused by multiple factors like kinking, clotting, or clogging of the tubing.

In the case of PICCs, occlusion can result in serious complications such as infection, thrombophlebitis, and vascular occlusion.

5. Other Risks Include:

• Bleeding
• Nerve injury
• Irregular heartbeat
• Damage to veins in your arm

Factors Contributing to Infection Rates

Factors contributing to the risk of IV insertion infections include:

1. Inadequate IV insertion Technique

A poorly inserted PICC line causes a number of complications (infection and thrombotic occlusion). Improper insertion techniques also cause the device to be misplaced or dislodged within the vein. This can lead to complications, such as venous thrombosis.

2. Poor Maintenance

The maintenance of PICC lines is vital for preventing infections. Suppose you don’t clean your PICC line properly; it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and leads to infection.

3. Duration of Use

The longer you have a PICC line, the more likely you are to get an infection. It’s because the longer you have it, the more bacteria have time to build up on the tip of the catheter.

4. Patient Factors

Some people are more exposed to infection from their PICC lines than others because of the following:

• Weakened immune systems.
• People who take medicine suppress the immune system (called immunosuppressants).
• Children younger than five years old and adults older than 65 years old.
• Having other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and liver.

Prevention of IV Insertion Infections

Consider the following strategies:

Practice Proper IV Insertion Technique

The best way to prevent infection from PICC lines is to ensure medical professionals are well-trained in sterile techniques and follow strict guidelines during PICC line placement. But who can offer such quality education?

The National IV Association has it all! We’re the nation’s leading certifying body in the field of IV administration and education.

We’ve been helping healthcare professionals get through their IV certification exams by providing high-quality training and resources (comprehensive review courses). Our courses have helped thousands of people successfully pass their certification exams and become certified members of the National IV Association.

This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your IV certification exam. Through our online platform, you’ll gain access to thousands of pages of resources to help you learn everything from how to safely insert an intravenous line to administer medication through an intravenous line.

You’ll also learn about the insertion of different types of needles into different parts of the body and how each type works best for specific purposes. So, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to get your IV certification today!

Other preventive measures are:

• Monitor duration of use. Assess the need for the PICC lines regularly and remove them as soon as they are no longer necessary.
• Address patient factors. Optimize patient health by managing underlying conditions and providing appropriate support for a healthy immune system.

Conclusion

Preventing post-insertion infections related to PICC lines is a vital aspect of patient care. By ensuring medical professionals receive proper training and IV certification (through the National I.V. Association’s Review Course), you will improve the sterile techniques practiced during PICC line placements.

In addition, investing in continuous education and training will not only lead to fewer complications but also contribute to a safer healthcare environment for patients and caregivers alike. Together, we can work towards minimizing the risks associated with PICC lines and strive for a healthier future for all.

Intravenous therapy, abbreviated IV, was initially provided as medication in various hospital facilities like emergency rooms, oncology units, doctors’ offices, and specialty clinics. Now it can be offered at home, in hotel rooms, and in spa settings. Therefore, there is no limit to where IV therapy can be provided in the contemporary world, even though some states restrict the location of IV therapy services offered by any licensed IV professional.

It is worth noting that IV therapy is still a field of medicine. This is because IV therapists administer medications via injection to patients with varying health conditions. As such, they administer the correct dosage to treat hangovers, headaches, nausea, and dehydration.

In addition to monitoring patient reactions, IV professionals also document the entire IV process to demonstrate the patient’s progress and success.

This article focuses on starting an IV and what it takes to get certified.

Starting an IV Business

As you may know, an IV is a fine tube often inserted into a vein to deliver medicine into a patient’s bloodstream. Generally, only physicians, registered nurses, and assistant physicians are allowed to perform IV services. In this regard, starting an IV business requires one to be a licensed IV technician or medical professional.

New York is an example of a state that adheres to this rule. Florida is at the other end of the spectrum, as IV business owners have few ownership restrictions. To that end, a non-medical corporation in Florida can hire healthcare IV professionals to conduct IV services on their behalf.

However, there are legal workarounds in most states. For instance, some restrictive states allow LPNs and LVNs to perform IV services in the presence of a physician or if they have a physician on-site to supervise them when an emergency arises. While other states permit the incorporation of IV therapy businesses with medical companies, management service organizations are still employed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the businesses.

In addition, most states require IV professionals to be licensed when starting an IV business. Generally, a licensed IV technician or firm engaged in IV therapy should be insured to protect their interests.

The types of equipment used by a licensed IV technician must also be up to date.

Also, all sterile protocols, medical practice standards, and federal workplace safety guidelines must be strictly followed. While this may seem like a lot to worry about, it should not be a discouraging endeavour with adequate licensed IV technicians, training, and appropriate legal advice.

If you are thinking of starting an IV therapy business, it would be wise to consult a competent attorney to guide you through your state laws. Partnering with an attorney will give you an edge over your competitors and a seamless ride in this growing and ever-changing industry.

Why Should You Become An IV Therapist?

Healthcare careers will continue to grow and expand due to the increasing demand for healthcare services. This is according to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  By extension, becoming an IV therapist is a great career choice if you intend to impact patients’ care by offering quality healthcare during their time of need.

In addition, most recruiters prefer candidates who have completed the Certificate IV course because they tend to be versatile in managing the firm’s daily affairs. Furthermore, the current job market prefers recruiting multi-talented professionals rather than educated individuals.

Therefore, being IV certified means you are also eligible to train other staff; hence, you can work as a human resource manager, facilitator, and assessor. For this reason, most IV professionals find their way into a wide range of disciplines because the IV certificate opens up a variety of career prospects.

Also, similar to other healthcare careers, this career path comes with lucrative salaries with an average base pay of more than $70,000 annually, depending on your location and work facility.

How to Become an IV Therapist

As previously mentioned, IV therapists monitor the IV process while ensuring the patient’s IV stays in place. After administering the IV medication, the IV therapists ensure the patient does not experience adverse reactions. While IV therapists are required to be licensed and certified healthcare professionals, it is the relevant certifying board in the respective practicing state that determines certification.

To become a licensed IV technician, one must earn a two-year nursing degree from an accredited university. Upon completion, the university should grant an R.N. degree or LPN certification.

One may also be required to complete education and earn an IV therapy certification to obtain an IV certificate. However, this depends on the state, as some do not require IV professionals to have a formal credential. For instance, most states insist on hands-on training, but a state like Florida does not mandate students to complete a certification course.

To that end, if you study in a state that does not mandate the requirements stipulated by the state board of nursing, consider enrolling in a continuing education course and obtaining a certificate in IV therapy. You can accomplish this by attending a 30-hour online IV education course or joining an accredited program offered by NIVA. By doing so, you will ensure that you meet the requirements of your employer and make yourself stand out to recruiters.

The National IV Review Course

The NIVA IV review course is an excellent option for students who want to become certified IV technicians or pursue other healthcare careers. This course’s beneficial effect is that students learn the necessary skills and knowledge at their own pace to pass the NIVA certification exam.

In addition, the National IV Review Course incorporates PDF study guides and videos into 42 virtual interactive lessons. The most impressive part is that students also get free access to the NIVA exam.

Requirements for National IV certification and membership

• A student must pass the National IV exam with an 85% score
• Maintaining a minimum of 20 CEUs in IV interpretation every six months is mandatory.
• Work as an IV technician for six months every two years
• Pass the National I.V. recertification examination every two years

Partner With the National IV Association (NIVA)

Despite the world’s move toward minimalism, IV certificates are still highly beneficial. This is because the demand for healthcare careers is rising as employers seek qualified individuals to handle multiple and complex situations in the healthcare industry.

If you want to gain the relevant skills and knowledge in the IV field and become more competitive in the healthcare industry, gaining an IV certification from NIVA would be wise. We provide a wide variety of exams and course options to help our students succeed in their healthcare careers by ensuring they have a well-rounded background in healthcare.

Register for your National IV certification today to enhance your CV and negotiate higher salaries on the job market.

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is booming and reaching higher milestones. And thanks to the extensive research conducted and the technological innovations, there are several specializations available today that you may never have heard about.

One of them is Intravenous (IV) Training, which is fast becoming a popular choice among medical professionals.

So what is IV training, and why is it in high demand today? Let’s delve into this further.

What Is IV Training

As an IV therapy specialist, you’re responsible for managing all IV medications and ensuring the safe delivery of these treatments under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist. You need to understand the different types of IV medications, their administration procedures, side effects, and contraindications. This can involve anything from antibiotics, painkillers, fluids for hydration or nutrition, and even chemotherapy drugs.

IV training also involves learning about catheters, venipuncture techniques, cannulation techniques, and laboratory tests to monitor the effects of the drugs. It also involves understanding the different types of medical equipment used to administer these IV therapies.

Why Is It In High Demand?

IV training has seen a surge in demand due to its versatility. As an IV specialist, you can work in any healthcare setting – from long-term care facilities to hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

If you’re curious about pursuing a career as an IV technician, below are a few highlights of why you should do so immediately:

Getting an IV certification Is Quick and Easy

Becoming an IV technician doesn’t take much time or effort. Most training courses are relatively short and can be completed in a matter of months. Depending on the school you join, you can get your certificate within 6-8 months. In fact, you may even qualify to take accelerated IV training programs if you have prior experience in a healthcare setting.

High Salary Potential

According to a report by Glassdoor, IV professionals can expect an average annual salary of around $53,785, with $39,000 being the lowest and $79,000 the highest- making it a highly lucrative career. Seasoned professionals with many years of experience can earn up to six-figure salaries. Plus, you can use your IV certification to take up higher-paying roles, such as in surgical centers, oncology units, or other specialty care fields.

Highly Rewarding Career Path

As an IV professional, you have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with your patients and make a real difference in the world. With your expertise, you can help improve the quality of life for your patients and their families, which makes this career deeply rewarding. You’ll be able to have a direct impact on people’s lives while continuing to grow professionally. Plus, if you choose to specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, you can become an even more valuable member of the healthcare team.

Simple Qualification Requirements

Most specialized healthcare careers need an extensive list of prerequisites. From college degrees to years of experience, the list can be quite exhaustive. But with IV training, you only need a high school diploma or an equivalent GED and basic medical knowledge to get started. You can get your IV certification by training for six to eight months, depending on your chosen school. It’s no wonder that IV training is in high demand today.

Easy Access to Online Training

Today, numerous credible institutions, such as the National I.V. Association, allow students to enroll in fully-online courses with flexible scheduling options. This makes it easy for busy professionals to further their studies while continuing to work full-time. Online training also offers an opportunity to enroll in any school across the country, giving you access to the best instructors and course material.

And through the program, you can easily interact with your professors, peers, and instructors through discussion boards, email exchanges, and other online tools that provide a more interactive learning experience.

How to Become an IV Technician

IV professionals don’t fall on a single job description. As such, the training and licensing requirements vary depending on your preferred work setting, vocation, and state. For instance, some IV professionals prefer working in a pharmacy setting, while others like emergency medical services, dialysis centers, or even long-term care facilities.

If you want to work in a pharmacy setting, you must train as a pharmacy technician first. Numerous pharmacy technician programs also offer specified training in IV management and mixing. You can easily find these programs in vocational schools, community colleges, the military, and specific hospitals.

But if you already have a background in nursing, emergency medicine, or other medical fields, you can easily take a credited course and get your certification. In fact, some schools even allow students to enroll with just a high school diploma. However, most of these programs are designed for already practicing healthcare professionals to get additional skills. 

Once you get your IV certification, you can apply for jobs in a variety of medical settings and start working as an IV specialist. The school will teach you proper dosage calculation, different IV delivery methods, safe handling of medications, perfect IV fluids flow, and various sterilization techniques. After the training, you’ll be able to understand aseptic techniques, intravenous therapy, and patient assessment.

Where Will You Work as an IV Technician?

IV professionals are in high demand across the U.S., with some of the most popular workplaces being long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers, and emergency medical services.

You can also choose to work in ambulatory care, where you’ll be responsible for preparing IV medications for patients and monitoring the patients during the treatment. It’s also common to work in home health care, where you’ll visit patients at their homes and administer IVs while providing supportive treatments.

Get Your IV Certification Today!

Do you have the skills and passion to work in the healthcare sector and become an IV professional? If yes, then why wait any longer? Enroll in one of the accredited courses at the National I.V. Association today and get your certification! With our wide range of courses and flexible scheduling options, you can easily kickstart your career as an IV technician with minimal effort.

Sign up now and open the door to an exciting and rewarding healthcare career! Our courses are specially designed for healthcare professionals looking to expand their skills and stay updated on the latest industry trends.

So, don’t miss out — get your IV certification today.