Patient has question re: Saline Locks-

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Pardon that I am posting - and am not a nurse.

I have been researching - cannot find answers - have asked - and know that you all have seen and heard it all.

I am interested in IV access like a Saline Lock - but with less external "stuff".

My home health care nurse and I were discussing Saline Locks. I think they would be perfect, but.......that is a lot of stuff taped to the arm for 72 hours. (week after week).

I am quite familiar with Butterfly needles - I use them to infuse meds as a SubQ push.

BF's come with 12" and ~3" tubing .

Are there "Saline Locks" with shorter tubing? Any type similar to butterfly needles?

If yes, could you direct me to a site to research? Thank you.

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Some will say you are seeking medical advice and cite violation of the terms of service. I don't see it that way. I believe you are asking for "inside information on the existence of types of medical devices. The below link is a devices I'm familiar with that is probably what you are asking about.

https://www.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?/Interlink-IV-Access-System-Standard-Bore-T-Connector-Extension-Set/&PG=CTL&CS=HOM&FN=ProductDetail&PID=9185&spx=1

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Thank you. I think that might be exactly what I am looking for.

Assuming it can be used for a saline lock. ???

I think I understand that the indwelling catheter connects to an extension set that connects to the administration set. The extension set becomes the "saline lock".

The extension set we have been using is a Braun saying length of 17".

Female luer lock and spin lock connector.

I think the set mentioned above says male luer lock? ???

Connects to catheter and to admin. set?

The shorter length would make all the difference.

I will ask the special pharmacy if they have the shorter tubing sets. I did not think they existed!!! Hoping and praying here. Thanks so much.

I wish I could go to nursing school - but I am too sick and too old.

FWIW my grandmother was a private duty nurse for Dr. Debaky's (sp?) patients.

I wish I could have followed in her footsteps.

May I take this opportunity to say how much admiration I have for nurses.

I have read some threads on this site and have noted the compassion you have for your patients. I have had many infusions over the past years and all of the infusion nurses have been so kind.

Sad to say with some doctors a patient does not get that feeling - makes us just want to give up.

Thank you to the nurses that care for those of us that are sick.

You are the true caregivers.

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Yes, the short tubing in the original link would screw onto an IV catheter. One would also need to attach an hub of some sort to the other end. I'm attaching a link to a typical hub used nowadays. It's hard to search online if you don't know the keywords/tricky phrases. I just had to walk to the supply area and look on packaging.

LifeShield Clave

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg.

I think I understand that the indwelling catheter connects to an extension set that connects to the administration set. The extension set becomes the "saline lock".

As a general concept, and without giving you medical advice, yes - that is correct.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg.
Yes, the short tubing in the original link would screw onto an IV catheter. One would also need to attach an hub of some sort to the other end. I'm attaching a link to a typical hub used nowadays. It's hard to search online if you don't know the keywords/tricky phrases. I just had to walk to the supply area and look on packaging.

LifeShield Clave

Some extension sets come with a microclave already attached, like this:

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I know of an extension that is approx. 4-5 inches long....check your local hospital, see if they can sell you a few

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Thank you. For the set with the microclave already attached - does anyone know the brand and ordering info?

I will ask the special pharmacy if they have any of the above mentioned combinations. Thanks again.

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The pharmacy should have a connection with a company that does home IV therapy, and the IV-certified nurses should have ideas about options in this sort of thing. If your pharmacy doesn't (or wont, or stalls you in any way), look in the phone book or online for any other local home infusion providers and call them.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I think I understand that the indwelling catheter connects to an extension set that connects to the administration set. The extension set becomes the "saline lock".

Just for sake of accuracy with nomenclature, when one refers to an "indwelling catheter" they are usually referring to a Foley catheter, which is inserted into the urethra and used to drain urine. One does not refer to an IV catheter as an indwelling catheter. It's just an IV catheter.

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Thanks again. Coram apparently has stopped stocking the shorter extension sets. But at least now I know there is such a thing. I just knew there had to be!! Thank you!!! I hope they can be special ordered. If not from Coram hopefully my doctor could Rx to get them from somewhere else.

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