What is a PICC and what does it do?
A PICC is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. It is a thin tube that goes in a vein, usually in your arm just above your elbow. The tube is threaded through the arm vein until the tip lies in one of the large veins in the chest. The PICC can stay in place for several months. Unlike an IV, you can keep the PICC line in place after leaving the hospital. You can then receive IV antibiotics outside the hospital for a long period of time in order to treat severe infection. The IV antibiotics are generally stronger than antibiotic pills. The PICC can also be used to take blood samples for testing.
