What to use for Heparin IV?

[Mbshil]

How do you give heparin IV exactly.And what needle do you use?

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

When you get to clinicals at the hospital, you will be shown the appropriate equipment and will probably get to watch heparin being given.

It's really easier to see than to describe.

For now, suffice to say that we don't use needles for IV heparin. We use needle-less systems.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

When Heparin is given as a direct IV push it is drawn up in a syringe and injected directly into the patient's IV device as closely to the IV hub as possible over 1 minute. It's onset of action is immediate and duration of action is only 4 to 6 hours. The type of needle used is dependent on facility policy for IV injection. Some places still use needles. Some places use needleless systems.

When heparin is given subcutaneously. . .(from Nurse's 5-Minute Clinical Consult: Procedures, page 474-5)

"[for subcutaneous injection use a] 25G to 27G 5/8" to 1/2" needle. . .[and a] 1 to 3 mL syringe

HEPARIN INJECTIONS

• The preferred site for a heparin injection is the lower abdominal fat pad, 2" (5cm) beneath the umbilicus, between the right and left iliac crests.
  
  
• Using this area reduces the risk of local capillary bleeding.
  
  
• Inject the drug slowly into the fat pad.
  
  
• Leave the needle in place for 10 seconds after injection, and then withdraw it.
  
  
• Don't administer injections within 2" of a scar, a bruise, or the umbilicus.
  
  
• Don't aspirate to check for blood return because this can cause bleeding into the tissues at the site.
  
  
• Don't rub or massage the site after the injection because this can cause localized minute hemorrhages or bruises.
  
  
• If the patient bruises easily, apply ice to the site for the first 5 minutes after the injection to minimize local hemorrhage, and then apply pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

• Concentrated or irritating solutions causing sterile abscesses
  
  
• Repeated injections in the same site causing lipodystrophy"

[Mbshil]

Thanks for your detailed description.I always did inject it quickly (in an attempt to ease the burning sensation quickly)Also would I use a tuberculine or insulin syringe?

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

TB syringe. An insulin syringe has specific markings for units of insulin. Units of insulin are not the same as units of Heparin.

Did you need to know how Heparin in mixed in IV solutions for hangin drips of IVs?