Replogle Tube Maintenance

[Ashley NICU]

Hi All! Wondering if your institutions have guidelines for replogle maintenance once the replogle is to gravity drainage. When on LIS, we flush with NS Q2H. We don't have a guideline for once it is to gravity. Some staff say still flush with NS and gently aspirate back, but others say only flush with air to keep the tube patent and so we don't cause electrolyte issues. 

Any help is appreciated! Thank you! 

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Flush with saline at least q12,the blue port just air flush q12,sometimes they get so gunky the holes at tip plug up,in times of desperation, I don sterile gloves pull out the tip and dip into sterile water bottle while raising the suction to unclog,turn off suction, quickly reinsert ,..they can get really nasty when clogged and drip out the blue air tube,ugh .