Use of C-Arm Fluoroscopy by Nurses for Placement of PICC Lines

The Minnesota Department of Health Ionizing Radiation Rules “prohibits the use of fluoroscopy by a person other than a licensed practitioner of the healing arts... when the licensed practitioner of the healing arts is not physically present in the room” (Minnesota Administrative Rules, 2007). Getting a licensed practitioner into the room caused delays in completing PICC line insertion procedures. To minimize these delays we considered multiple options; one of the options was to have PICC nurses licensed to operate the fluoroscopy machine. This article will explain the process the Vascular Access Department at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview went through to make this option a reality.Our team has demonstrated that with proper training, education, machine maintenance and completion of competencies, nurses can operate fluoroscopy independently and clear PICC lines for use with a high degree of safety, efficiency and accuracy.