My father has a permanent plaster on his arm (they inject in the same vein when he has his chemo), he needs to wear these sleeves over the plaster to keep it clean and dry (and in place). What are these called? Where can they be purchased?
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My father has a permanent plaster on his arm (they inject in the same vein when he has his chemo), he needs to wear these sleeves over the plaster to keep it clean and dry (and in place). What are these called? Where can they be purchased?
Hello GiraffesShouldRuketheWorld
Thank you for contacting us at Macmillan through the online community and Ask a Nurse. My Name is George, and I'm one of the cancer information specialist nurses on the Macmillan support line.
We do not have access to the NHS or personal medical records and can only provide general information and support based on the information you provide.
It sounds like your father has an indwelling venous catheter line. This is most likely a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. These are commonly inserted for people to have their cancer treatment to avoid repeated cannulation to the back of the hand each time the treatment is due. They can also be used to take blood samples.
The PICC line is typically anchored to the skin with a skin lock/dressing and a transparent or semi-transparent dressing over the top, which remains until the nurse removes it to clean the area around the line.
There is no standard practice on what sleeve you should use over the PICC line site. You could ask your father's specialist nurse or chemotherapy nurse for another sleeve the next time he attends so he has a spare. The item you refer to is generally referred to as a tubular support stocking or bandage. There are many different manufacturers, and they can be purchased under many different product names, such as Comfifast, Clinifast, Tubifast, and Tubigrip, as well as many others. These can be purchased at any pharmacy, but usually come in 5 – 10 meter lengths, which are then cut to the required length.
It would be advisable to get the same size and manufacturer as he has right now; as you know, this has been sized accordingly to your father. Care must be taken not to purchase and use anything that is too tight or rubs the device through the dressing. We would always recommend speaking with a member of his nursing team at the hospital regarding this question before purchasing a replacement.
We have a partnership with Some Boots Stores where you can speak with a pharmacist who can assess and help you with such questions and queries if you are struggling in the short term.
I really hope this information was helpful. Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.
Take care and best wishes,
George (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: GHi/GG
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