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Blood Tests and Picc Line

Norwichcanary
  • 2 replies
  • 42 subscribers
  • 377 views

My understanding is my picc line can be used for blood tests.  This would be excellent for me as I have deep small veins so taking blood is difficult. 

I went for blood tests today but was told the nurse could not use my picc line as he was untrained.  The two other staff in the dept. said the same.  It was suggested I went back to the chemo unit.  The chemo unit said they were trained to use the picc line but they did not have the staff or space resource for this.  Only essential patients could use this and had to be pre-booked.  

Is this standard for NHS hospitals? 

  • Hi  ,

    Thanks for getting in touch with us at what sounds like a difficult time. My name is Ellen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I can see from your profile that you’ve been chatting to others. I hope you have found the support helpful.

    It sounds from your post that you had a very frustrating time yesterday getting your pre chemotherapy bloods taken. Especially if you have small veins that may have made it difficult to get bloods in the past.

    You’re right to say that a PICC line can be used to take blood samples. Given your experience yesterday it’s understandable why you would want to know if this is standard for NHS hospitals.

    Unfortunately, every NHS hospital has different resources which means services may vary throughout the UK. In some areas of the country district nurses or practice nurses have been trained to take bloods from PICC lines.

    I can read from the chat with other members on our community that you’ve now had a discussion with your chemotherapy unit, and they have agreed to prioritise you and take your bloods from your PICC line for your future visits. I’m glad that you’ve managed to sort it out. But I can appreciate how difficult this must have been for you yesterday. It can be hard enough both mentally and physically going to have your bloods taken without the added stress of having to worry about getting blood taken. Hopefully you won’t have any problems in the future.

    Best wishes,

    Ellen- Macmillan

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts on 0808-808-0000. (7 days a week 8am till 8pm) or you can chat Online or contact us by email.

    Ref; Emcp/ HeP

  • in reply to Ellen M-Macmillan

    Thank you for your reply. As you said  I have also found out this morning I  can request the community nurse to take bloods from my picc line. This was not mentioned to me yesterday. 

    Best Wishes

    David. 

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