Central line

Before or during your stem cell transplant, your care team will place a central line---a special type of IV that goes to the main vessels in your chest; that will be used for your treatment. Central lines can be placed before or at the time of admission, depending on your care plan.

What Is a Central Line Used For?

• Giving medications, fluids, transfusions and your stem cell transplant
• Drawing blood for lab tests
• Reducing the need for repeated needle sticks

Types of Central Lines: Your team will choose the type that best fits your treatment needs:

• Port: placed under the skin, often used long-term
• CVC (Central Venous Catheter): inserted into a large vein in the chest
• PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter): placed in the arm

Each type has its own care instructions, risks, and timeline for how long it stays in.

Risks & Infection Prevention

• Central lines can increase the risk of infection since it is a foreign body
• You will need routine care of your central line that initially will be done at the hospital and then can also be done at home
• Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever
• Know when to call your care team for help -- ask for all this information before you go home