Checking IV patency

Checking a peripheral IV for patency means that the line is open( not clotted off) and is functional and in the vein. If you have an IV infusing and there is no redness,swelling,pain or other complications it is patent.On a locked peripheral you would have to assess and flush it to assure patency. On a peripheral IV please remember that the presence of blood return does not guarantee that the line is OK to use. You may still be getting a blood return,while an IV site is starting to infiltrate.

On a Central Venous Catheter a blood return should be verified as a component of the patency check.

if its just a peripheral IV, i just flush it w/ a few cc's of NS. PICC's- draw back just a little to check for blood, then flush w/ 10cc's NS (or, whatever the policy is at your hospital).

On a peripheral IV you can't always get a blood return. To check for patency, you flush 7-10 ml of NS. Place your fingers above the IV site (about an inch or 2) on the vein itself while flushing. Patent IV's should feel cool when flushing (you can actually feel the fluid moving).

While flushing check that their is no swelling just above the IV, there is no redness around the area, and the patient doesn't sit straight up yelling at you flushing his IV -- all these are bad.

Hope this helps

Pat