Flushing PICC lines

[jaltwerger]

What is the current standard of practice for flushing a PICC line after an antibiotic is infused? Specifically, should heparin always be used, as in the SASH method, if the MD dos not specify? Would it ever be acceptable to only use sterile saline instead?

Please advise.

Thanks!

[buytheshoes11, MSN, RN]

Where I work we do 10 cc NS before and after the ABX. We don't use Heparin.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

For general information, your text book will be just fine, however, for specifics you will need to follow your facilities P&P manual. As you will find, each hospital, TLC, home health, etc will require things to be completed in a specific manor :)