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Discussion

Port-a-cath flush?

What is the latest on flushing these? I had to remove the Huber needle so we could ultrasound around the site (looking for source of infection). Unable to find a policy, so I flushed with 10cc NS. Won't need port-a-cath access while she is in ICU (fresh post-op, hesitant to use heparin to flush) thanks, I NEVER work with these.

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found this on the web. We have a cheat sheet posted in our med room outlining our exact hospital policy.

IV flushing protocols can differ based on physician preference. Typically, a PICC line, Hickman, and Port-a-cath are flushed with 5-10 ml of normal saline before and after any medication infusion, and are then flushed with 3-5ml of Heparin (exception would be a Groshong PICC or Port, these are not typically flushed with Heparin). These lines may be flushed with up to 20ml of saline after a blood draw, or after completion of a TPN infusion. PICC lines and Hickman catheters may be flushed every 12 hours or daily, when not in use, again based on physician preference. Port-a-cath's are flushed every 28 days when not in use.

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Since they were concerned about infection, can understand why not using port.

Always flush with 5-10cc NSS then instill with at least 3cc Heparin 100U/1CC to prevent clot formation within reservoir--good for a month to 6 weeks.

Otherwise it is great device in ICU to spare needles pokes and prods in clients who have device due to chemo/poor veins.

If you have an oncology unit, they should have protocol in their P+P manual.

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