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Keeping the catheter dry: what to use and how

If water gets under the dressing, germs from the skin can find a way to the line. The right cover and a check afterwards are a simple but important habit.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A nurse in gloves applying a dressing to a patient's arm
Figure 1.The dressing must stay dry

01Short answer

Ask your team which cover suits you: a single-use adhesive sheet or a reusable arm sleeve for a PICC. A plastic bag or kitchen film is not reliable unless your team specifically says otherwise. Put the cover on so it overlaps the dressing well on every side. Keep the spray away from the line while washing. Afterwards, take the cover off and check the dressing: dampness, lifting edges or water under the cover need reporting the same day, because the dressing must be changed. Keep a few spare covers. Take care in the rain and when washing dishes too.

02Simple explanation

Choose the cover with your team.

A bag is not reliable.

Check afterwards.

Damp: tell us the same day.

03Scientific explanation

MedlinePlus: a line dressing must be kept dry; a wet dressing needs to be changed.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Wicking

Water seeps in from the edges of the dressing.

Skin flora

Germs living on the skin can move to the line when it is damp.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
WickingWater seeps in from the edges of the dressing.
Skin floraGerms living on the skin can move to the line when it is damp.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Occlusive dressing
A dressing that keeps out air and water.
Arm sleeve
A reusable waterproof sleeve for a PICC.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Cover.
  • Wash.
  • Check.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Covers are expensive.

Ask your team; the hospital sometimes supplies them.

The dressing is slightly damp.

Even slightly damp: tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. Covers are expensive.

  2. The dressing is slightly damp.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheters - ports
  2. MedlinePlus. Peripherally inserted central catheter - flushing
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. NHS. Falls
  8. NHS. Balance exercises
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
  10. NHS. Physiotherapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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