Clinical practice guideline for point-of-care ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates (2026)

Asia-Pacific Health Association Pediatric Medicine Branch, Asian-European Research Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Ultrasound, Beijing Association of Holistic Integrative Medicine Neonatal Critical Care Medicine Branch, Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics

Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2) : 135-146.

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2) : 135-146. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2505072
STANDARD·PROTOCOL·GUIDELINE

Clinical practice guideline for point-of-care ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates (2026)

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Abstract

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement is an essential routine procedure in neonatal intensive care units and an important life-support technology. In recent years, point-of-care ultrasound-guided catheter insertion and ultrasound localization of catheter tips have been widely applied in neonatal practice and demonstrate clear advantages over traditional methods. This guideline was developed on the basis of currently available evidence and the practical experience of domestic experts, and it is tailored to the Chinese context. It provides clinical practice recommendations for ultrasound-monitored vascular selection, ultrasound-guided PICC cannulation, and ultrasound localization of the PICC tip. In total, 22 recommendations addressing 10 key clinical questions are presented, covering pre-insertion vascular selection, intra-procedural ultrasound-guided localization, post-insertion dynamic monitoring, and troubleshooting of difficult scenarios. The aim is to promote standardized application of this technology in neonatal intensive care units in China, reduce complications, and improve safety.

Key words

Point-of-care ultrasound / Peripherally inserted central catheter / Ultrasound monitoring / Ultrasound guidance / Ultrasound localization / Neonate

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Asia-Pacific Health Association Pediatric Medicine Branch , Asian-European Research Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Ultrasound , Beijing Association of Holistic Integrative Medicine Neonatal Critical Care Medicine Branch , et al. Clinical practice guideline for point-of-care ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates (2026)[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2026, 28(2): 135-146 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2505072

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感谢首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院医学伦理学办公室王春水老师在伦理学方面提供的建议和帮助，感谢患儿监护人及新生儿科全体成员在指南制订过程中给予的工作支持。

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