PICC line removal a sterile procedure?

I get that putting one in is a sterile procedure, but taking one out isn't, is it?

I was getting some weird info today and wanted to check.
It's a stupid question and I think I know what the answer is, but I got some info from an authority yesterday that kind of shook my inexperienced nursing confidence...

yes. once the dressing is in place, its "clean"

Thanks, Colin, that's what I thought.

All procedures related to PICC lines in my NICU are sterile, including changing dressings, changing tubing/fluids, and d/cing the line. Might be because it's the NICU, though.

Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique.Anyone who tells u anything else is either not a RN, not a very GOOD RN, or doesn't know what the hell they are talking about.

our PA's take them out. gloves and gauze is all I see

Removal is a clean (aseptic) procedure.

Quote from carolmaccas66Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique.Anyone who tells u anything else is either not a RN, not a very GOOD RN, or doesn't know what the hell they are talking about.

Quote from AltraOP was asking whether removal was a sterile procedure. Sterile is not the same as aseptic.

Quote from carolmaccas66Anything to do with PICC lines, you always follow aseptic technique...

It's not when the pt decides to do it themselves. Ask me how I know.

Quote from Aurora77It's not when the pt decides to do it themselves. Ask me how I know.