Sometimes it is necessary to receive medicine or other fluids intravenously (in the vein). If it is needed for a long period of time, the doctor might consider a PIC line as the best option for you. PIC lines are long, flexible tubes inserted into a large vein, usually near the elbow. The tube (medically speaking, all tubes are called catheters) is threaded up the vein until its tip reaches the large veins inside the chest. PIC lines do not usually require surgery for placement, so doctors may be less worried about them becoming infected.

A PIC line can remain in place for several weeks or more. They are especially helpful for patients who need to receive medication at home for a long time. It is not uncomfortable. Most people have no trouble with them, and they can remain quite active while having one in place. PIC lines have bandages which are placed over the insertion site to make sure it doesn't get accidentally tugged. This bandage has to be changed every day or two. A PIC line can be used for several kinds of injections, therefore, the patient does not have to be poked so many times.