1/10/14

Flushing Peripheral and Central Lines

Catheter Type
Solution
Strength
Frequency
Peripheral Vascular Access Devices (VAD)
Peripheral IV line
NS
N/A
3 mL daily and
PRN
Midline catheter
Heparin
10 units/mL
5 mL daily and
PRN
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC)
Groshong PICC
NS
N/A
5 mL per lumen
every 7 days and
after each use
Per-Q-Cath
(Pediatric VAD)
Heparin
10 units/
mL
2.5 mL (child) or
0.5 mL (infant) q
8h and after
each use
Central Venous Catheters (CVC)
Valved-tip (no
clamps)
NS
N/A
5 mL per lumen
weekly and PRN
Open-ended
(clamps)
Heparin
10 units/mL
5 mL daily and
PRN
Implanted Port Catheters
Groshong
Port-A-Cath
Heparin
100 u/mL
5 mL daily and
PRN



Routine Care of Peripheral and Central Lines

Clamps: Open-ended catheters will always have clamps to prevent the backflow of blood and air embolisms. All openended catheters must be flushed with heparin to minimize fibrin collection and clot formation.
No Clamps: Valved-tip catheters do not have any clamps and require saline flushes—use positive-pressure flush technique.
End-Caps: Change the end cap(s) every 7 days or sooner if any blood, cracks, or leaks are seen.
Syringe Size: The smaller the syringe size, the greater the pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI); greater PSI increases the potential for catheter damage. Therefore, a syringe size of 10 mL or greater is recommended for all central-line flushes.
Positive Pressure Flush:To reduce the potential for blood backflow into the catheter tip, which promotes clot formation and catheter occlusion, always remove needles or needleless caps slowly while injecting the last 0.5 mL of NS.

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