Your doctor has requested that you have a Midline Catheter (MLC) inserted to make it easier for you to receive the medications you need to get well.
Your MLC will be inserted carefully into your venous system using maximum sterile barrier precautions. Once it's inserted, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your MLC from infections or complications.
It's important to remember that your MLC is not a central line. Only medications that are safe to infuse into a peripheral vein should be used with this catheter. Don't be afraid to remind the staff that you have a Midline not a PICC. Other MLC care guidelines include:
Anyone
touching the catheter should wash their hands.
Be
sure that the clear dressing covering your MLC is dry and secure.
Report
any pain or swelling in the MLC arm to your nurse right away. Do not
assume it will go away.
If the
catheter appears to be coming out, call your nurse right away. Do not push
it back in.
The
end-cap on your MLC should be cleansed with an alcohol swab before
anything is attached to it.
The goal of placing the MLC in your venous system is to provide safe access for medication and blood sampling. Please, help your healthcare providers by actively participating in the protection of this important device.
If you have any questions about the care of your MLC, see our FAQs or contact us.
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