CHANGE INTRAVENOUS LINE, BAG, AND TUBING
Access sites, tubing, and bags may need to be changed to prevent infection; however, a PCC situation may not allow unnecessary expenditure of limited medical resources. Consider basic PCC principles regarding supplies, number of casualties, and potential evacuation time when deciding on frequency while using new supplies.
- Peripheral intravenous access: Do not replace unless there is evidence of infection, blockage, or infiltration.14
- Intraosseous access: Discontinue after 24 hours, a maximum of 48 hours if difficulty obtaining IV access.13
- Primary continuous infusion tubing: Change every 7 days (i.e., administering Lactated Ringers continuously for IV hydration).
- Primary intermittent infusion tubing: Change every 24 hours (i.e., administering an IV antibiotic intermittently).
- Secondary infusion tubing: Change every 24 hours (i.e., administering an IV antibiotic via a secondary line connected to primary tubing).
- Blood tubing: Change after every 4 units of products.
- Propofol: Change tubing every 12 hours due to lipid base.