ports

RNforLongTime · Feb 11, 2002

At my hospital, we draw blood from port-a-caths all the time. In fact, the patients that have them refuse any labs to be drawn from them until their portacath is accessed.

micky · Feb 11, 2002

VACUTAINER use?

Kiscellus,R.N. · Feb 17, 2002

I am not sure I understand the question. I dont think your policy has to specify the device you are allowed to use when drawing blood from a port. I mean, that is what the port is designed for...drawing labs and administering IV infusions via central access.

micky · Feb 19, 2002

the policy does not specify...that the problem.. i have been doing this for years and now a senior nurse is telling everyone that i am out of line and using a vacutainer is not acceptable.

Chuckie · Feb 20, 2002

Use vacutainer.

CRNI · Apr 23, 2002

Micky - I would ask the "senior nurse" to show you her documentation prohibiting vacutainer use on implanted ports. I've never heard such a thing.

CATHYW · Apr 23, 2002

we were never permitted to access an infusaport for blood draws with a vacutainer. we used a 5 cc syringe to draw and discard 5 cc of blood, using a huber needle. then, we drew 5 cc of blood gently back into the syringe. after that, we flushed with 5 cc ns, followed by 5 cc whatever dose of heplock solution the physician preferred. we followed the same procedure for central lines, and i have never had a problem, nor seen anyone else having a problem, using this method.

Chuckie · Apr 26, 2002

10 cc syringes should always be used for all central lines. Never use anything smaller.

CATHYW · Apr 30, 2002

Why, CatFoster?

pauls-gal · Apr 30, 2002

It has always been the accepted practice to use 10 cc syringes on central lines because of the lower psi, however it is now permissable to use a smaller syringe if you know that the catheter is open and not sluggish. New products are always coming out and we are now trying a 3 cc syringe with a 10 c barrel. Syringes with a higher psi could lead to catheter rupture or detatchment of "foriegn objects" from the catheter.

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2002

I don't know if there is a policy or not, but I don't think that using vacutainers is a good idea. I've seen it done, but I would avoid it. You don't have any control if you're using a vacutainer. I really don't think there's a problem using a 5 cc syringe to withdraw blood from a port, though. Especially if you withdraw slowly enough and are extremely careful not to collapse the line.

You should never push anything *into* a central line with anything smaller than a 10 cc syringe, for the reasons that pauls-gal said. Pending further research, of course.

Love

Dennie