Clinician Information Patient Information Instructions for Use Education Product Features Product Specifications Frequently Asked Questions Test your knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the flushing protocol for the PowerPICC* catheter?

   Flush the catheter with 10 ml of normal saline every 12 hours or after each use. In addition, lock each lumen of the catheter with heparinized saline. Usually, one ml per lumen is adequate.

2. What is the flushing protocol for the PowerPICC* catheter when using the end cap provided in your kits?

   Bard Access Systems does not recommend a change in the flushing protocol when using the end cap.

3. Can I power inject through conventional PICCs that are not indicated for power injection?

   No, most PICCs are not designed to withstand the high pressures of power injection so should not be power injected through. Conventional PICCs are designed to tolerate pressures of 25-40 psi. This is well below the pressures required for power injection. The FDA posted a reminder on their website about power injecting through non power injectable PICCs because of the large number of problems due to this practice. This can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/patientsafety/reminder-rvad.html

4. What are the physical specifications of the PowerPICC* catheter?

   This link will take you to the PowerPICC* catheter specifications: PowerPICC* catheter physical specifications.

5. How do I order the PowerPICC* catheter?

   The PowerPICC* catheter can be ordered by calling Bard Access Systems Customer Service at 800-545-0890.

6. As a patient, how do I care for the PowerPICC* catheter?

   This link will take you to a brochure that instructs you on how to care for the PowerPICC* catheter: PowerPICC* Catheter Patient Guide

7. Who makes the PowerPICC* catheter?

   Bard Access Systems designed and manufactures the PowerPICC* catheter.

8. What are the available configurations for the PowerPICC* catheter?

   The PowerPICC* catheter is currently offered in five catheter configurations:

   • 4 Fr. Single Lumen PowerPICC* catheter
   • 5 Fr. Single Lumen PowerPICC* catheter
   • 5 Fr. Dual Lumen PowerPICC* catheter
   • 6 Fr. Dual Lumen PowerPICC* catheter
   • 6 Fr. Triple Lumen PowerPICC* catheter

9. What tray configurations are available for PowerPICC* catheters?

   PowerPICC* catheters are available in Maximal Barrier, full and basic nursing trays (both with and without Sherlock* stylets). PowerPICC* catheters are also available in I.R. trays.

10. In addition to power injection, what are other uses for the lumens marked "power injectable" on the PowerPICC* catheter?

    In addition to power injection, lumens marked "power injectable" on the PowerPICC* catheter can be used in the following applications

    • Central venous pressure monitoring
    • Blood draw
    • Blood infusion
    • Infusion of liquids and medication

11. Which contrast media can be injected through the PowerPICC* catheter?

    All injectable contrast media on the market can be infused through the PowerPICC* catheter when warmed to body temperature. 

12. How do I care for the PowerPICC* catheter after power injection?

    After power injection, all lumens of the PowerPICC* catheter must be flushed with at least 10 ml of sterile normal saline. Use the push-stop method of flushing to effectively clear the catheter of contrast media. Use a 10 ml syringe or larger to prevent unsafe pressures on the catheter. In addition, lock each lumen of the catheter with heparinized saline. Usually, one ml per lumen is adequate.

13. Can I hand inject through the PowerPICC* catheter?

    It is possible to hand inject through the PowerPICC* catheter though this injection method will not take advantage of the 5 ml/sec maximum flow rates offered by the PowerPICC* catheter.

14. Can I power inject through the PowerPICC* catheter?

    Yes, the PowerPICC* catheter has been specially designed to tolerate the high pressures achieved in the power injection of contrast media. The power injector can be set at a maximum of 300 psi.

15. What are the gauge sizes and flow rates offered by the PowerPICC* catheter?

    This link will take you to the gauge size and flow rates of the PowerPICC* catheter: PowerPICC* Catheter Specifications

16. Can the PowerPICC* catheter be injected through if there is a bend in the catheter?

    Yes, as long as the PowerPICC* catheter is not kinked, bends in the catheter will not reduce the maximum power injection flow rate from 5 ml/sec.