Antibiotic-impregnated central line catheters are quite similar to other central lines in terms of shape and size. The main difference is that they are embedded with antibiotics that deter the colonization and growth on the catheter. This helps prevent central line-associated infections. Patients with allergy to the type(s) of antibiotics on the catheter should not be exposed to this line since they can develop a reaction to the material. The catheter cannot treat bacteremia—its bacteriostatic range of effect is limited to the catheter. As with any central line, it is placed in a central vein. A peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) can be placed in a peripheral vein, but this is not a requirement of antibiotic-impregnated central line catheters.