WHAT IS A “PORT”? BRAND NAME: PORT-A CATH How is a port used? • Your nurse will put a special needle into your port, through your skin. This it is called a “port access.” You may feel a pinch or pressure. • Before a port is accessed, your nurse will clean the skin around the port to remove any germs. • Each time the port is accessed and before it can be used, the nurse will use a syringe to pull blood into the tubing. This ensures the port is usable. If the nurse cannot see blood, they may need to put medicine in the tubing. If the medicine doesn’t work, you may need an x-ray to check on the port’s location. • If your port is usable and remains accessed, your nurse will cover it with a dressing. • While receiving medicines through the port, you should not feel anything. Some people report tasting or smelling the IV fluid when the nurse flushes. • While receiving medicines through the port, pain, redness or feeling wetness are reasons to call the nurse to look at the port area more closely. • When treatment is complete, the nurse will flush the port with a sodium-chloride solution and apply a small dressing. • When the port is not being used, it will need to be flushed again, every 12 weeks. Caring for your port After you have a port placed, you will get instructions that explain how to care for the port dressing and when you can resume activities. If the port does not have the needle in it, there is no day-to-day care. Tips to remember After your port is placed, you will get a port identification card or key ring card. • Always keep your port ID card or key ring card with you. • If your port was placed at a facility outside the Dana-Farber network, if possible, get a copy of your “procedure note.” This will help speed up your care. • Security systems, such as airport metal detectors, may detect the metal in your port. If this occurs, show your port identification card. You can also get a letter from your doctor to provide airport security. • When using MRI machines and similar imaging scanners always have your clinician check the guidelines for your specific port especially before having an MRI or similar imaging scan. • Wear a button-down shirt and loose-fitting layers when you come to the clinic or hospital. Port removal Once your treatment is completed and your cancer team determines you no longer need a port, you will need another surgical day procedure to remove the port. The instructions in this teaching sheet are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you experience any significant change in your health during or after treatment, contact a member of your cancer care team right away. Copyright © 2021 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patient Education. Last revised 06/2024. Page 2 of 2
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