How long does a long line last? A comprehensive guide to IV catheter duration

October 2, 2025 •

2 min read

According to numerous clinical studies, a long line, also known as a midline catheter, can often remain in place for several weeks, reducing the need for repeated needle insertions. Understanding how long does a long line last is crucial for patients undergoing long-term intravenous (IV) therapy, as its lifespan directly impacts treatment continuity and safety.

Quick Summary

A long line's duration varies, typically lasting for several weeks to over a month, depending on the catheter type, the patient's health status, and meticulous care. Complications can necessitate earlier removal.

Key Points

Duration Varies: A long line (midline catheter) typically lasts several weeks, but its lifespan depends on patient health, catheter type, and proper maintenance.
Midline vs. PICC: A long line is a midline catheter, which is different from a PICC line. It does not extend into the central veins near the heart.
Proper Care is Key: Strict adherence to sterile procedures, regular flushing, and site monitoring is essential to prevent complications and maximize catheter life.
Watch for Complications: Signs of infection, occlusion, or migration warrant immediate medical attention and may necessitate early removal of the long line.
Factors Influence Longevity: Patient's underlying condition, venous health, and treatment duration all play a role in determining how long a long line can safely remain in place.
Intermediate-Term Solution: Long lines are most suitable for therapy lasting longer than a few days but less than a few months, bridging the gap between standard IVs and long-term central lines.

Understanding the 'Long Line'

In medical terms, a “long line” most commonly refers to a midline catheter. This IV access device is used for intermediate-term therapy and is longer than a standard peripheral IV. It's inserted into a superficial arm vein, with the tip ending below the armpit. Midlines are used for certain medications and fluids for periods longer than a standard IV but shorter than a central line.

Midline Catheter vs. PICC Line

While sometimes used broadly, the term "long line" specifically denotes a midline catheter, not a PICC line. A PICC line also starts in the arm but is advanced to a large vein near the heart. Their differing tip locations result in different uses and durations.

Factors Influencing Long Line Longevity

The lifespan of a long line is not fixed and depends on various factors. A patient's health, their specific condition, and their venous health all impact how long a midline can stay in place. The type of catheter and diligent care are crucial for extending a midline's life and preventing complications.

Long Line vs. Other IV Access Devices: A Comparison

Comparing the long line (midline catheter) to other IV devices clarifies its typical duration and purpose.


Feature	Short Peripheral IV (PIV)	Long Peripheral Catheter (Midline)	Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
Length of Use	Up to 4 days	Several weeks, up to 4 weeks or longer	Weeks, months, or even years
Insertion Site	Hands, arms, sometimes feet	Upper arm	Upper arm
Catheter Tip Location	Vein in the periphery of the body	Vein in the upper arm, below the axilla	Large vein near the heart
Medication Type	Standard IV fluids, non-irritating meds	Less irritating meds, fluids (not vesicants/irritants)	Vesicants, TPN, irritating meds, long-term IV antibiotics
Primary Risk	Phlebitis, infiltration	Infection, thrombosis, occlusion	Bloodstream infection, thrombosis, occlusion

The Signs It's Time to Replace a Long Line

Certain signs indicate a midline may need early removal or replacement, such as signs of infection, catheter occlusion or migration, leakage, or device damage.

Best Practices for Long Line Care

To maximize a long line's lifespan and safety, follow key practices including maintaining aseptic technique, regular flushing, securing the catheter, monitoring the site daily, using caution with movement, and avoiding certain medications.

Conclusion: Maximizing Long Line Duration

To answer how long does a long line last, remember it's typically several weeks, depending on various factors. Careful management and adherence to best practices by both patients and providers are essential for maximizing the line's duration and ensuring a positive treatment outcome. For more guidance, the CDC provides information on preventing catheter-related infections {Link: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/bsi/index.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

A long line, or midline catheter, is longer than a standard peripheral IV and can remain in place for weeks, whereas a regular IV is typically replaced every few days (72-96 hours). A long line's tip ends in a larger vein in the upper arm, reducing the risk of vein damage.

Yes, many patients can be discharged with a long line for home intravenous therapy, provided they are trained on proper care techniques. Home therapy with long lines can help avoid or reduce hospitalization.

The most common complications include infection at the insertion site or in the bloodstream, phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), occlusion (blockage) of the line, and catheter migration.

If your long line is blocked, you may find it difficult or impossible to flush it with saline or draw blood from it. A nurse or doctor should be contacted immediately if a blockage is suspected.

The initial insertion may cause brief discomfort, similar to a standard IV. However, once in place, a long line can be more comfortable for the patient over the long term, as it reduces the need for repeated needle sticks.

It is generally safe to shower with a long line as long as you keep the dressing and insertion site completely dry. Special waterproof dressings are often used. Soaking the site in baths or swimming pools is typically not advised due to the risk of infection.

While some midlines can stay in for several weeks, specific long-term devices like PICC lines can remain in place for months or even years. The maximum duration for any line is ultimately determined by the patient's clinical needs and absence of complications.