Published Jul 3
Miranda RN
3 Posts
Hello. I work home health. The client has a double lumen capped picc line. The MAR stated picc line flush each lumen NS 6ML HEPARIN 3ML. Usually you flush after heparin too. So what is the right order of things here. TIA
Bug Out, BSN
342 Posts
You flush with normal saline and then instill the heparin. The heparin is intended to remain within the lumens of the catheter between flushes with the theory that it will prevent occlusions. In home health/home infusion it is known as SASH. Saline (flush), Access (instill medication), saline (flush), heparin.
Spiker, ASN, RN, EMT-P
134 Posts
Bug Out is correct. Flushing the heparin with saline negates the reason for using the heparin in the first place.