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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
A double lumen PICC is a peripherally inserted central catheter with two separate channels (lumens) in one catheter body. The manufacturer instructions for use (IFU) show that “double lumen” says how many channels the catheter has, not how much pressure it tolerates: that limit is printed on the product and differs between manufacturers and French sizes. This guide explains the configurations and the IFU limits that matter, drawing on two manufacturer IFUs checked on 2026-10-30.
Who uses it: clinic and infusion-service staff, supply and procurement teams, and students learning how central venous access devices are specified and labelled.
What a double lumen PICC is
A PICC is a catheter intended to give short-term or long-term access to the large central veins. The Argon Medical First PICC IFU describes the intended use as providing “short or long term venous access to the large central veins”, generally to give medications or liquid nutrition. A double lumen (also written dual lumen or 2 lumen) version has two internal channels, so two separate fluid pathways run through one catheter. For the broader device class, see what a PICC line is and central venous catheters.
How the lumens are built
The Argon IFU describes its PICC family as made of polyurethane, supplied either as standalone devices (with items such as a trim tool, tape measure and stylet) or in a basic kit that pairs the catheter with an introducer. Each lumen has its own external connection, so each channel is used and labelled separately. Because the lumens are labelled individually, the markings on the catheter matter: the primePICC IFU states that only lumens marked “Power Injectable” may be used for power injection of contrast media.
Single, double and triple lumen: what the IFUs state
PICCs are made with one, two or up to three lumens, and the number of channels is matched to the number of infusions given at once (see the guide to PICC lines). The table below compares the single, double and triple lumen configurations covered by the PFM Medical primePICC IFU (LS-00575-01-AB, January 2023) and, for contrast, the Argon Medical First PICC IFU (PN 20-2007-07 Rev H, issued 12/07/2023).
| Product and configuration | What the IFU states about injection | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| primePICC 3F, 4F and 5F single lumen | Indicated for power injection of contrast media; maximum recommended infusion rate 5 ml/sec; injector pressure not to exceed 300 psi | Power injection is a labelled feature |
| primePICC 5F dual lumen | Same as above: 5 ml/sec, 300 psi | Two lumens, same stated limit as the single-lumen sizes |
| primePICC 4F dual lumen | Maximum recommended infusion rate 4 ml/sec; injector pressure not to exceed 300 psi | Lower rate limit than the 5F dual lumen |
| primePICC 5F and 6F triple lumen | Maximum recommended infusion rate 5 ml/sec; injector pressure not to exceed 300 psi | Three lumens, same stated limit as the 5F dual lumen |
| First PICC (Argon), single and dual lumen | “Do not use catheter for high-pressure injection”; syringes smaller than 10 mL and mechanical higher-pressure injectors can generate pressures above 40 psi capable of rupturing the catheter | Not labelled for power injection |
Two catheters that are both “double lumen” can therefore carry opposite instructions on high-pressure injection. The configuration name alone is not a specification.
Specifications that matter
French and gauge sizes
Sizes are given in French (F) and sometimes gauge (GA). The Argon IFU pairs them in its tables, for example 18GA (4F) and 16GA (5F). The primePICC IFU lists 3F, 4F and 5F single lumen, 4F and 5F dual lumen, and 5F and 6F triple lumen configurations.
Reading the flow and priming table
The Argon IFU states that “flow rates and priming volumes indicated are for the untrimmed catheter without T-Port or Y-Site”. A catheter cut to length or fitted with accessories will not match the printed figures exactly, so the numbers describe the catheter as supplied.
The power-injectable marking
For primePICC, the printed limit on the catheter is 300 psi at 5 ml/sec for all configurations except the 4 French dual lumen, which is 300 psi at 4 ml/sec. The IFU warns that using a lumen not marked “Power Injectable” for power injection of contrast media may cause failure of the catheter.
How to choose
The IFUs themselves supply the criteria worth checking, and they are about labelling rather than preference:
- Whether the lumen you intend to use is marked “Power Injectable” (primePICC IFU).
- The maximum infusion rate and injector pressure printed for that French size and lumen count.
- Whether the IFU permits high-pressure injection at all (the Argon First PICC does not).
- Whether the device’s body-size contraindication applies: the Argon IFU lists a patient body size insufficient to accommodate the device. Selecting a catheter for an individual is a clinical decision for a qualified clinician.
Catheters of this kind are also listed among IV catheters in medical supply catalogues.
Safe use and handling basics
- The Argon IFU describes its catheters as sterile and single use, and states they must not be re-sterilised.
- The Argon IFU states clinicians must be familiar with and trained in placement, maintenance and use of PICC and midline catheters.
- The Argon IFU warns that high-alcohol solutions can temporarily weaken polyurethane and that the catheter must not be exposed to acetone.
- The primePICC IFU warns that contrast that is not warmed to body temperature, or a catheter whose patency has not been ensured, may result in catheter failure, and that an injector’s pressure-limiting feature may not prevent over-pressurisation of an occluded catheter.
- The primePICC IFU notes that the power-injection indication implies the catheter’s ability to withstand the procedure, not that the procedure is appropriate for a particular patient.
Placement and flushing steps belong in the manufacturer’s IFU and facility protocols, and are not reproduced here. For related devices see implanted ports, Groshong catheters and IV catheters.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every double lumen PICC is power injectable. Only lumens marked “Power Injectable” are intended for it.
- Using a syringe smaller than 10 mL on a catheter whose IFU warns that smaller syringes can generate rupturing pressures (Argon: above 40 psi).
- Applying the 5 ml/sec figure to a 4F dual lumen primePICC, whose limit is 4 ml/sec.
- Treating printed flow and priming values as exact for a trimmed catheter or one with T-Port or Y-Site fittings.
- Exposing polyurethane catheters to high-alcohol solutions or acetone.
FAQ
What is a lumen on a PICC?
A lumen is an internal channel of the catheter. A double lumen PICC has two, each with its own external connection.
Is a double lumen PICC the same as a power-injectable PICC?
No. Power injection is a separate labelled capability. The primePICC IFU covers it for its single and dual lumen sizes; the Argon First PICC IFU says not to use that catheter for high-pressure injection.
Does the French size change the injection limit?
For primePICC, yes in one case: the 4F dual lumen has a 4 ml/sec limit, while the other configurations are 5 ml/sec, all at 300 psi.
Is there a triple lumen PICC?
Yes. The primePICC IFU covers 5F and 6F triple lumen catheters, with a stated 5 ml/sec maximum infusion rate and 300 psi injector pressure limit.
How does a single lumen PICC differ from a double lumen one?
The number of internal channels. Whether a catheter may be power injected depends on its labelling, not on the lumen count: primePICC single and dual lumen sizes are covered, while the Argon First PICC is not.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-30.
- PFM Medical, primePICC Catheter Kit Instructions for Use, LS-00575-01-AB, January 2023: https://www.pfmmedicalusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/LS-00575-01-AB_primePICC-CE-IFU.pdf
- Argon Medical Devices, Inc., First PICC / First Midcath / L-Cath PICC and Midline IFU, PN 20-2007-07 Rev H, issued 12/07/2023: https://www.argonmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20-2007-07-First-PICC-IFU-Rev-H-Translated-1.pdf
