Living With a PICC Line
A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) is used for chemotherapy, IV antibiotics, or long-term medication. These trusted resources explain what to expect and how to care for it at home.
⚠️ This is general information only: not medical advice. Always follow your healthcare team's specific instructions.
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Resources from NHS, eviQ, SA Health & NHS Trusts
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Free to use · No data collected
Official Guides
NHS: Living with a PICC
Overview of PICC lines including what they are used for, how to care for them, and when to get help.
Visit NHS ↗
Royal Marsden NHS: PICC line care
Specialist cancer hospital guide to looking after your PICC line at home.
Visit Royal Marsden ↗
Cambridge University Hospitals: PICC care
Patient information on caring for your peripherally inserted central catheter.
Visit CUH ↗
eviQ Australia: PICC patient information
Australian cancer treatment resource explaining PICC lines for patients and carers.
Visit eviQ ↗
SA Health: PICC brochure
South Australian Health brochure for adults with a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Visit SA Health ↗
NHS Trust Guides
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
You and your PICC line: patient information from a specialist cancer centre.
Visit Clatterbridge ↗
Hull University Teaching Hospitals
Caring for your peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) at home.
Visit Hull ↗
West Suffolk NHS: Home PICC care
Guide for patients managing their PICC line care at home between hospital visits.
Visit West Suffolk ↗
Common Questions
What is a PICC line?
A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a long, thin tube inserted through a vein in your arm and threaded to a large vein near your heart. It is used to deliver chemotherapy, IV antibiotics, or other medications over weeks or months without repeated needle insertions.
Can I shower with a PICC line?
It is important to keep the PICC line dressing dry. Most hospitals recommend covering it with waterproof dressing or cling film before showering. Do not submerge the arm in water, baths, swimming pools, and the sea should be avoided. Your nursing team will show you how to protect it.
What are the warning signs with a PICC line?
Contact your healthcare team if you notice redness, swelling, or pain around the PICC site, if the line appears to have moved or come out further, if you develop a fever or chills, or if the dressing becomes wet or loose. These may indicate infection or displacement.
Related Pages on Postopcare.info
Chemotherapy: what to expect
What chemotherapy feels like, how to prepare, and managing common side effects.
Read guide →
Cancer treatment journey
A guide through each phase of cancer treatment from diagnosis to follow-up.
Read guide →
Support helplines
Mental health support, crisis lines, financial assistance, and patient advocacy resources.
Read guide →
PICC line care essentials
Practical things that make living with a PICC line easier.
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Waterproof PICC covers let you shower without worrying about getting the dressing wet, one of the most appreciated items. Waterproof PICC cover →
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A PICC line sleeve holds the line securely against your arm and protects it from catching on things during daily activities. PICC line sleeve →
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