Accessing a Port-a-cath

1
Accessing a Port-a-cath

• Supplies needed
• Appropriate sized Huber needle, Persist or
  Betadine swabs, 10cc syringe of Normal Saline, 5
  cc syringe with 100 unit/ml Heparin, sterile
  gloves
• Wash your hands
• Locate the port septum by palpation
• Put on sterile gloves
• Prime needle tubing with saline and leave syringe
  attached
• Cleanse skin 5 inches out from center of the port
  using the antimicrobial swabs. Use a circular
  motion and work outward

2
Placing the needle

• Relocate the port septum between two fingers,
  pulling the skin taut.
• Firmly push the
• needle be at a 90 degree angle through the skin
  into the port septum until it hits the bottom of
  the port chamber

3
Establish patency

• Establish that you are in the correct place by
  aspirating blood, then irrigiate with 10 cc
  normal saline.
• IF the needle is to be left in place, you may
  cover with a clear occlusive dressing over the
  site, do not cover the site with gauze.
• Once blood is drawn, or medications are complete,
  flush with 10 cc of normal saline and 5 ccs of
  100 unit/ml Heparin.