What should you not do with a PICC line? A comprehensive safety guide

September 23, 2025 •

5 min read

According to health guidelines, improper care of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) can lead to serious complications, including life-threatening infections. It is crucial to understand exactly what you should not do with a PICC line to ensure your well-being throughout your treatment.

Quick Summary

To keep your PICC line safe and functional, you must avoid submerging it in water, heavy lifting, and intense arm movements, while always maintaining scrupulous hygiene to prevent infection. Never ignore signs of trouble or attempt to fix problems yourself.

Key Points

Avoid Water Immersion: Never take baths, go swimming, or enter hot tubs with a PICC line, as submersion can lead to serious infection.
Limit Arm Activities: Do not lift heavy objects (over 10 pounds), participate in contact sports, or perform strenuous exercises with the arm that has the PICC.
Maintain Strict Hygiene: Practice rigorous handwashing and never touch the line or dressing unnecessarily to prevent introducing germs.
Protect from Damage: Keep all sharp objects away from the line, avoid rough handling, and prevent clothing from snagging the catheter.
Monitor for Complications: Be vigilant for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever), catheter damage (leaks, cracks), or dislodgement.
Never Self-Treat: If you notice a problem with the line, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Immediately contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if symptoms are severe.

Prioritizing Hygiene: The First Rule of PICC Line Care

The cornerstone of preventing PICC line complications, particularly infections, is impeccable hygiene. The insertion site is a direct pathway to your bloodstream, making it a highly sensitive area that requires strict protocols. Neglecting hygiene can lead to serious central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), which can be life-threatening.

Hand Hygiene and Catheter Interaction

The most important step in hygiene is proper handwashing. Everyone who will be in contact with the PICC line—including you, your caregivers, family, and visitors—must wash their hands thoroughly before and after any interaction.

Do not touch the catheter or dressing unnecessarily. The less contact, the lower the risk of introducing germs. If contact is necessary, always wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand gel with at least 60% alcohol.
Never reuse medical supplies. If a syringe, needle, or any other supply is dropped on the floor or becomes soiled, it must be discarded immediately.
Keep pets away from your PICC line. Animals can carry bacteria and other germs that pose a significant infection risk.

Dressing and Site Care

The dressing that covers your PICC line site is a sterile barrier designed to protect against infection. It must be kept clean, dry, and intact at all times. A wet or loose dressing is an invitation for bacteria to enter the body.

Do not get the dressing wet. Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or any full water immersion. During a shower, cover the line with a waterproof protector, and if the dressing becomes wet, change it immediately or contact your care team.
Never use sharp objects near the dressing. Scissors, razors, or pins can easily puncture the line or compromise the dressing, leading to infection or damage.

Physical Restrictions and Activities to Avoid

While a PICC line allows for more freedom than other central lines, certain physical activities can pose a risk of damaging the catheter or causing it to become dislodged.

Limiting Arm Movement

The arm with the PICC line is especially vulnerable to certain movements and pressures. While light, normal daily activities are generally encouraged to promote circulation, you must be cautious with strenuous actions.

Avoid heavy lifting. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds with the affected arm. This includes things like groceries, small children, or weights.
Steer clear of intense arm exercises and contact sports. Activities such as tennis, golf, weightlifting, and sports that involve physical contact can put excessive strain on the line.
Do not let clothing pull or rub on the catheter. Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not snag or tug on the line.

The Danger of Bending and Pulling

Certain body positions can also cause problems by shifting the catheter's internal tip.

Avoid bending at the waist for extended periods. Bending over to tie your shoes or pick up items can cause the catheter tip to move out of place.
Do not ignore severe coughing or vomiting. If you experience these, inform your healthcare team, as they can also cause the catheter to migrate.

Blood Pressure and Constriction

Measuring blood pressure or applying a tourniquet on the arm with the PICC line can cause significant damage or complications.

Never take blood pressure on the arm with the PICC. Use the other arm instead to avoid compressing or damaging the catheter.
Do not apply a tourniquet on the affected arm.

Recognizing and Responding to Problems

Being aware of potential complications and knowing how to react is vital. Early detection of issues like infection, blockages, or catheter damage can prevent a medical emergency.

Common Signs of Complication

Be vigilant and regularly inspect the insertion site and line for any changes.

Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or a foul odor around the insertion site. A fever of 100.4°F or higher and chills can also indicate infection.
Catheter Damage: Watch for cracks, leaks, or a change in the visible length of the catheter. If you notice a leak, immediately clamp the line and contact your care team.
Blockage or Malfunction: If you experience pain during infusion, or if the line is difficult to flush, it could be a sign of a blockage.
Blood Clot: Swelling in the arm, neck, or face on the side of the PICC line, or new arm pain, could signal a blood clot.

What to Do in an Emergency

Do not remove the catheter yourself. The PICC line must only be removed by a trained healthcare professional.
If you suspect an issue, contact your care team immediately. For severe symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of a serious infection, seek emergency care right away.

A Quick Reference: PICC Line Do's and Don'ts


Action	What NOT to Do	What to Do Instead
Hygiene	Touch the catheter or dressing unnecessarily; reuse supplies; let pets near the site.	Wash hands thoroughly before any contact; use fresh, sterile supplies; keep the area clean.
Water Exposure	Submerge the line in baths, pools, or hot tubs; allow the dressing to get wet while showering.	Take a sponge bath or cover the line completely with a waterproof shield during showers.
Physical Activity	Lift more than 10 pounds; participate in contact sports or strenuous exercises with the arm.	Engage in normal daily arm activities and consult your doctor for approved light exercises.
Line Safety	Use scissors or sharp objects near the line; allow clothing to snag or pull; bend excessively.	Be mindful of the line's position; wear loose clothes; keep sharp items away.
Medical Procedures	Have blood pressure taken on the affected arm; apply a tourniquet over the catheter.	Use the opposite arm for blood pressure readings and communicate with medical staff.

Conclusion: Your Role in Safety

A PICC line is an effective tool for long-term treatment, but its success relies heavily on proper care and adherence to safety protocols. Knowing what you should not do with a PICC line is just as important as knowing what you should do. By prioritizing hygiene, respecting physical restrictions, and vigilantly monitoring for complications, you can minimize risks and ensure your treatment proceeds as smoothly and safely as possible. For more detailed instructions on PICC line care, always consult your healthcare provider or refer to official medical resources like those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must never allow the PICC line or the dressing to get wet. This includes avoiding baths, swimming, and hot tubs. When showering, you should use a waterproof cover to protect the site completely. If the dressing does get wet, it must be changed immediately to prevent infection.

No, strenuous activities like lifting weights are not recommended. You should avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds with the affected arm to prevent damage to the line or potential dislodgement of the catheter's tip.

If your PICC line is accidentally pulled or dislodged, you should remain calm and apply pressure to the insertion site with a clean dressing. Immediately clamp the line if possible and contact your healthcare team right away. Do not attempt to re-insert or push the line back in yourself.

Most contact sports and activities that involve heavy arm movement or physical contact should be avoided. Your healthcare provider will give you specific guidelines, but generally, high-impact activities pose a risk of damaging or dislodging the line.

No, a blood pressure cuff should never be placed on the arm with the PICC line. The pressure can damage the catheter and the underlying vein. Always inform medical staff and use the opposite arm for blood pressure measurements.

Signs of a PICC line infection include redness, warmth, pain, or swelling at the insertion site. You should also watch for other symptoms like a fever, chills, or drainage from the site. Contact your care team immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Yes, an air embolism is a serious, though rare, risk. All lumens should be clamped when not in use or when the cap is removed to prevent air from entering the line. If you suspect an air embolism, lie on your left side with your head down and seek emergency medical attention.