Infusion Nursing Notes by Nufactor provides education, resources and support to promote successful patient therapy within the infusion nursing community.

Part Two of Two. Central Catheters used for IVIG: Care and Complications of PICC lines and Port-a-Caths

By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN.

In our last blog, the types of central catheters typically used for the infusion of IVIG were discussed. Also reviewed, was the assessment of these ports as it relates to IVIG therapy. In this blog, the care of central lines (herein called VADs; Vascular Access Devices) and potential complications will be covered. This discussion will be limited to the intermittent use of VADs for IVIG therapy being given between 1-5 days monthly. For more detailed information regarding continuous VAD use, or the administration of other medications, please refer to the INS standards published on their website. [More]