We have used normal saline for all lines , peripheral and central for many years. It works just fine as long as the positive pressure technique is used. We do use heparin also for central lines in children and those with Cystic fibrosis because of the high venous pressure when they cough. The real problem is getting the nurses to flush routinely as they should. Cheryl Fry CRNI University Health Care Columbia ,MO
________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of Nadine Nakazawa Sent: Sat 9/30/2006 8:38 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Saline only flushes for central catheters We've been trying to do NS flush/locks on all CVCs & PICCs using the MaxPlus since May '06. We've had mixed results, although recently I've been hearing about fewer complaints. We may move back to heparin for the outpatient population since declotting in the home setting is a lot more problematic. We moved to 20 mls NS flushes after lab draws. A struggle to get "consistency of care across the continuum of care". We dont' have much control over how and when nurses flush, disconnect the flush syringe and THEN clamp the PowerpICCs. They've been inserviced as to this technique with posters everywhere, but I think inconsistent practice is still causing clotting. Nadine Nakazawa >From: "Nauman, Tanya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >CC: "Perry, Stephen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Saline only flushes for central catheters >Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:51:33 -0700 > >We are trialing PowerPICCs right now and several physicians have >approached me with their concern over the heparin flush required >by our flush policy for open-ended central catheters[10ml NaCl >and 2ml Heparin(100 units/ml) Q 8hrs when not in use and after >blood draws]. They would like us to change to Saline only flushes. > Have any of your hospitals or services gone to saline only flushing? >Do you know of any articles supporting this practice. I found one on >PubMed from Transfus. Sci June 1997...but that's it. > I reviewed the postings in the archives--just would like to get an >idea of how many hospitals are actually heparin-free as far as >Central line flushing. > We are using the MaxPlus cap. I've heard of a "neutral" pressure >cap, anyone using those? >Thanks so much >Tanya >I.V. Support >SHMC >Eugene, OR > >___________________________________________________________ >This message is intended solely for the use of the individual and entity to >whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, >confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable state and federal >laws. If you are not the addressee, or are not authorized to receive for >the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, >distribute, or disclose to anyone this message or the information contained >herein. If you have received this message in error, immediately advise the >sender by reply email and destroy this message. > > >
