With a regular open port (as opposed to a valved port, which only requires saline), we don't take the risk of saline only. Our policy is to flush with saline, then instill 5cc of heparin 10 u/cc if the port is kept accessed (between med doses). If the port is to be deaccessed we change the concentration to 100 u/cc for longer term dwell. If there is evidence that indicates this is not the best policy, we are interested in learning of it.
Leigh Ann
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Sent: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 5:33 PM
Subject: ports and intermittent flushing after antibiotics
Question for everyone on implanted ports. Before we "deaccess" patients, I know the protocols across the nation are different, but most will flush with a saline/saline-Heparin Solution then remove the Huber needle. I have a question about those patients who are admitted to the hospital for antibiotics, but no IV fluids. The nurses on our Oncology Unit access their ports, then cap off the Huber needle and leave it in and use it like a Saline or Heparin Lock IV. Our question for everyone is the flushing of these lines in-between antibiotic dosing. Let's say the patient receives Gentamycin every 8 hours. There is no IV fluids infusing. Before and after the dose, everyone flushes with 10ml of Saline, I'll say that's given. The question....does everyone also Heparinize the line with a dose of Heparinized Saline after each dose of antibiotic and every 8-24 ours, or are you using Saline only? This question came up this week. The nurses are questioning practice to make sure it's current practice. Ann Earhart, RN, MSN, CRNI Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Vascular Access/PICC Team Banner Desert Medical Center Mesa, Arizona 85213 office-480-512-3980 pager-602-420-3240 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
