Misplacement of piccs following power-injected CT contrast media

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be used to administer contrast injection during CT (computed tomography) scans to improve diagnostic accuracy. This is usually done with the use of a power injector. Research has shown that misplacement of catheters following contrast injection can occur. The aim of this review was to analyse appropriately positioned pre-scan PICCs that malposition following injection of contrast media during a CT scan, evaluate whether tip location or right or left insertion plays a part in the displacement of PICCs after CT, and to ensure those involved are aware of the risks and the safety checks required following such procedures. A quantitative method was used, gathering information from the team's insertion database to review 2045 records of contrast-injectable PICCs between 1 January 2015 and 30 April 2020. Analysis of the data indicated that 1% of appropriately sited PICCs malposition following contrast CT injection and that the catheter is able to self-correct back to its original position at an average interval of 24–72 hours without any other intervention. Further research is needed to explore other factors that could influence the rate of self-correction and complications of prolonged catheter malposition.