PICC Line stands for which phrase?

• A. Peripheral intravenous catheter line
• B. Peripherally inserted central venous catheter
• C. Peripherally inserted central catheter line
• D. Peritoneal dialysis catheter line

Answer: (C)

PICC stands for a catheter that is inserted through a peripheral vein but terminates in a central vein. This combination—entry in a peripheral vein (usually the arm) with the tip in a central venous location near the heart—defines the PICC.

The best match is peripherally inserted central catheter because it clearly conveys both the peripheral entry and the central placement of the catheter. Describing it as a peripheral intravenous catheter would be inaccurate, since a peripheral IV line stays in the small arm veins and does not reach central circulation. The phrasing that emphasizes the central venous location is essential to distinguish a PICC from a simple peripheral line. A dialysis catheter is unrelated to PICCs.