UAC's

[NJNICUCCRN]

Our unit just recently started using only 10ml syringes for anything pushed in our uac's. Anyone else using this size syringe? (We were told that the manufacturer reccommends this size)

[Love_2_Learn]

Yes, we only use 10 ml syringes on UACs and UVCs. We do not use anything smaller than a 5 ml syringe when pushing fluid into a PICC. This is because the larger syringes have lower psi and are therefore less likely to cause injury to the line, especially the tips. Also less psi means less intense pressure applied to the place where the end of the catheter tip is located. Strange to comprehend but larger syringes are much more gentle than smaller syringes.

[dawnebeth]

We generally only use 3 ml syringes for flushing all lines and giving meds. Sometimes a 5ml syringe, but rarely a 10.

[Love_2_Learn]

I would imagine that it is best to use the size syringe recommended by the manufacturer. A couple of years ago we used 3 ml syringes on our PICCs until we started using a new brand and were taught that the company says to only use a 5 ml or larger syringe when flushing the PICCs to keep the tip-ends inside the baby from tearing or shredding from the higher pressures which come from flushing with smaller syringes.