Implanted Port: How to Care for Your Child

An implanted port makes it easier to put medicine or fluids into a vein and to have blood samples taken. It can help kids feel more comfortable and less stressed about getting medicine and blood tests. 

Repeated needle sticks can be difficult for a child and can make a vein harder to use in the future. An implanted port allows health care providers to draw blood or put medicines or fluids into the bloodstream without frequent sticks into the vein.

The port is a small dome placed just under the skin in the chest or arm. Under the skin, it attaches to a thin tube that enters a large vein. The health care provider placed the port while your child was under anesthesia.

To give your child medicine through the port, a health care provider inserts a special needle through the skin into the port. The health care provider may apply a numbing cream to the skin beforehand to reduce any discomfort. Once the needle is in the port, the port is "accessed" and can be used repeatedly for blood draws, to give medicines, or to give fluids, until the needle is removed. The next time the port is needed, a new needle is inserted.

• If there is a bandage over the incision, follow the instructions for how and when to change it. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing the bandage.

• Keep the incision from getting wet as it heals. Follow the instructions for showering so that the site does not get wet.

• Your child should avoid bathing or swimming until cleared by the health care provider.

• Most physical activities are fine for kids with an implanted port. Check which sports and activities are OK and which to avoid.

• Be sure your child's day care providers, teachers, school nurse, and physical education teacher know about the port. They can help keep your child safe and watch for any problems.

• The port will need to be flushed with an anti-clotting solution by someone from the health care team every 4 weeks when it's not being used.

• You have any questions about how to take care of the port or notice any problems with the way the port is working.

• Your child has blood or fluid draining from the port.

• The skin around the port becomes red, tender, warm, or swollen.

• Your child has pain around the port.

• Your child has a fever or chills. This can be a sign of a serious infection.