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Medical glossary

PICC: peripherally inserted central catheter

A PICC is a thin, long tube placed through a vein in the arm so that its tip reaches a large vein near the heart. It is used for long-term treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A patient's arm with a dressed PICC line and an IV tube
Figure 1.A PICC line in the arm

01Short answer

A PICC reduces the need for frequent needles for chemotherapy, transfusions and blood tests. It can stay in for weeks or months. Care means keeping the dressing clean and dry, regular flushing and dressing changes (done by a nurse) and not straining the arm. Redness, swelling, discharge, fever, or swelling or pain in the arm: report it at once.

02Simple explanation

Placed through the arm.

Tip near the heart.

Weeks to months.

Keep the dressing dry.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a PICC is a thin tube inserted through an arm vein into a large vein.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Every day

A waterproof cover in the shower.

A clean dressing
Figure 2.A clean dressing — PICC: peripherally inserted central catheter

Urgent

Fever, a swollen arm or breathlessness.

Care
Figure 3.Care — PICC: peripherally inserted central catheter

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Every dayA waterproof cover in the shower.
UrgentFever, a swollen arm or breathlessness.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Catheter
A tube placed in the body.
Flushing
Cleaning the catheter with a solution.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I swim?

Usually not; ask your team.

How is a PICC different from a port?

A PICC comes out of the arm; a port sits under the skin.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I swim?

  2. How is a PICC different from a port?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: PICC
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: petechiae
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: gene
  7. MedlinePlus Genetics. Help Me Understand Genetics: The basics
  8. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  9. NHS. Sepsis
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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