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 one of the main vessels in your chest; that will be used for your treatment. Depending on your treatment plan, the central line may be placed before you come into the hospital or around the time you’re admitted.

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, drainage, or fever
• Know when to call your care team for help -- ask for all this information before you go home