Autologous Transplant Patient Education Manual - Moores Cancer ...

Catheter Care
The nursing team in Interventional Radiology will instruct you not to bathe or shower for
four days after your catheter is placed as the site must be kept clean and dry. However, you
may sponge bath during this time. After the four days, you may resume your bathing or
showering. To prevent moisture from collecting under the dressing, you will be taught how
cover the entire catheter site with a plastic bag and tape.
You will need to have the dressing on your catheter changed everyday during the first four
days, then weekly. Dressing changes will be done in the Infusion Center by the nursing
staff as they are responsible for the care and maintenance of your catheter. Your
coordinator will schedule the appointments for you. If your dressing becomes wet or soiled,
please notify the Infusion Center or your coordinator.
Exit site care
Your catheter will have two separate tubes (lumens) that extend from the exit site. The
tubes will have a clamp on them that should remain closed when the catheter is not in
use. Also when the catheter is not in use, the tubes are flushed weekly with a medication to
prevent clots.
Monitoring the site
You will be asked to inspect your catheter site every day and to monitor your temperature
twice a day for signs of infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please
contact a member of the health care team immediately.
Signs of infection include:
pain
redness
tenderness
pus around the site
fever
It is also important to report shortness of breath and/or swelling in your arms, hands or
chest and any color changes of the skin on your arm.
Stem Cell Collection – (Apheresis)
Apheresis is derived from a Greek word meaning to take away. The process takes between
2-5 days for approximately 4-6 hours each morning and is usually performed on an
outpatient basis. Rarely, some cases are done in the hospital. It is recommended that
someone drive you to your scheduled appointments.
The procedure will be explained to you by a doctor and you will be asked to sign a consent.
You will then be connected by your catheter to the apheresis machine. The machine is a
blood separator and a small amount of blood (no more than a cup) is removed through one
Page 18 of 51