How Long Can a PICC Catheter Stay In? INS Guidelines Explained

A common question among clinicians, case managers, and skilled nursing facilities is:

How long can a PICC catheter safely stay in place?

Understanding appropriate PICC dwell time is essential for patient safety, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance. This article explains PICC catheter duration based on Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Standards of Practice, with practical guidance for post-acute and long-term care settings.

What Is a PICC Catheter?

A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a central venous access device inserted through a peripheral vein (typically in the upper arm) with the catheter tip terminating in the lower superior vena cava (SVC).

PICC lines are designed for long-term intravenous therapy, offering durable access when peripheral or midline catheters are no longer appropriate.

INS Guidance on PICC Catheter Dwell Time

There Is No Fixed Maximum Dwell Time

According to INS Standards of Practice, PICC catheters do not have a predetermined maximum dwell time.

Instead, a PICC catheter may remain in place as long as:

• The device is clinically indicated

• The catheter remains functional

• There are no signs of complications

• Ongoing therapy continues to require central venous access

INS emphasizes clinical necessity over arbitrary time limits.

Factors That Determine How Long a PICC Can Stay In

1. Ongoing Clinical Indication

A PICC should remain in place only while it is needed for:

• Long-term IV antibiotic therapy

• Vesicant or high-osmolarity medications

• Therapies requiring central venous access

• Patients with limited peripheral access

If therapy no longer requires central access, device reassessment is recommended.

2. Absence of Complications

A PICC catheter should be evaluated regularly and removed promptly if complications develop, including:

• Catheter-related bloodstream infection

• Thrombosis

• Occlusion or malfunction

• Catheter migration or malposition

• Persistent pain, swelling, or erythema

Proactive monitoring helps reduce unnecessary risk.

3. Proper Maintenance and Care

INS standards stress that ongoing maintenance directly impacts PICC longevity, including:

• Routine dressing changes

• Proper hub and lumen care

• Regular assessment of catheter function

• Adherence to infection-prevention protocols

Well-maintained PICCs can remain in place for weeks to months when clinically indicated.

4. Patient-Specific Factors

PICC dwell time may be influenced by:

• Patient comorbidities

• History of thrombosis

• Renal considerations

• Vein health and access history

• Care setting (acute vs post-acute)

Each patient requires an individualized assessment.

How PICC Dwell Time Differs From Midline Catheters

Unlike PICCs, midline catheters are peripheral devices and are generally intended for shorter-term therapy.

Key distinction:

• PICC: No fixed maximum dwell time; based on clinical need

• Midline: Limited dwell time based on therapy duration and medication compatibility

Understanding this difference helps prevent inappropriate device selection.

When Should a PICC Be Removed?

INS recommends removing a PICC when:

• The therapy requiring central access is completed

• A less invasive device becomes appropriate

• Complications arise

• The catheter is no longer functional

• The risk of continued use outweighs the benefit

Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection and thrombosis.

How Optimus Vascular Supports Safe PICC Management

Optimus Vascular follows an INS-aligned, clinician-to-clinician approach to vascular access. Our team supports facilities by:

• Assessing ongoing PICC necessity

• Evaluating device function and complications

• Supporting appropriate continuation or removal

• Providing ultrasound-guided PICC placement when indicated

This ensures patients receive the right device for the right duration—not longer than necessary, and not shorter than clinically required.

Key Takeaway

There is no fixed time limit for how long a PICC catheter can stay in place.

According to INS Standards of Practice, PICCs may remain as long as they are:

• Clinically indicated

• Functioning properly

• Free of complications

• Appropriately maintained

Routine reassessment and adherence to evidence-based standards are essential for safe, effective vascular access care.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace a provider’s clinical judgment, a licensed provider’s order, or an individual facility’s policies and procedures. Vascular access decisions should always be based on a valid provider order, patient-specific assessment, and applicable facility guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long can a PICC catheter stay in?

  A PICC catheter does not have a fixed maximum dwell time. It may remain in place as long as it is still clinically indicated, functioning properly, maintained according to infection-prevention standards, and free from complications.

• Does INS set a specific number of days for PICC dwell time?

  INS guidance emphasizes clinical necessity rather than an arbitrary time limit. Ongoing reassessment is recommended to confirm the PICC is still appropriate for the patient’s therapy and condition.

• When should a PICC line be removed?

  A PICC should be removed when central access is no longer needed, when therapy is complete, when a less invasive device is appropriate, or if complications occur (such as infection, thrombosis, occlusion, or catheter malfunction).

• Can a PICC stay in for months?

  Yes, a PICC can remain in place for weeks to months if it remains clinically necessary and there are no complications. Consistent maintenance and routine assessment are key to safe long-term use.

• What are warning signs of PICC complications?

  Common warning signs include fever or chills, redness or drainage at the site, increasing pain, swelling of the arm/neck, difficulty flushing, leakage, or a change in external catheter length. Report concerns promptly per provider order and facility policy.

• Is a midline catheter the same as a PICC line?

  No. A PICC is a central venous catheter with the tip in the lower SVC, while a midline is a peripheral catheter with the tip ending below the axilla. Midlines are often used for shorter-duration therapy and only for medications appropriate for peripheral administration.

• Do you need a provider order for PICC placement or removal?

  Yes. PICC placement and removal should be performed based on a valid provider order and in accordance with facility policies and procedures.