IV Flush Chart
Short Peripheral IV Catheter
(length < 3 inches)
Long Peripheral IV Catheter
(length > 3 inches)
|
10 mL saline |
10 mL saline |
10 mL saline
every 8 hours +PRN |
Midline, PICC
Subclavian or Jugular CVC
Percutaneous insertion / non-tunneled
Tunneled Catheter
(e.g., Hickman® / Broviac® type)
|
10 mL saline |
10 mL saline
Flush with 20 mL saline: after TPN or anytime there is blood in the catheter or IV tubing |
10 mL saline
every 8 hours +PRN
|
All Valved Devices
(all PASV® or Groshong®, PowerPICC SOLOTM brand VADs)
Note that valved products are available as Midlines, PICCs, Tunneled Catheters &
Implanted Ports . |
10 mL saline |
10 mL saline
Flush with 20 mL saline: after TPN or anytime there is blood in the catheter or IV tubing
|
10 mL saline
every 8 hours +PRN
Valved Implanted Ports:
If accessed: 10 mL saline daily +PRN
If not accessed: Flush every 30 to 90 days based on physician order with 20 mL of saline.
|
Implanted Port
(venous ports only) |
10 mL saline |
10 mL saline followed by 50 units heparin (5 mL of 10 units/mL) if remaining accessed. If de-accessing port final heparin flush should be 500 units (5 mL of 100 units/mL) |
If accessed & not in use:
10 mL saline followed by
50 units of heparin
(5 mL of 10 units/mL) daily.
If not accessed: 20 mL saline,
followed by 500 units heparin
(5 mL of 100 units/mL) every 30 to 90 days based on physician order. |
Post Parenteral Nutrition, Blood Reflux, or Transfusion |
Flush with 20 mL saline
(Followed by heparin flush if indicated per device type and if not resuming infusion immediately.)
Follow this protocol for Midlines and all central venous access devices regardless of the reason for blood reflux.
|
Dialysis or Plasmapheresis Central Venous Catheters |
Protocols vary greatly.
Obtain specific orders prior to flush or dressing change. Catheter care is usually managed by dialysis nurse only. Document assessment of the dressing routinely. Be sure that clamps are closed and needleless connectors are secure if they are outside the dressing.
|
Specific Prescriber's Orders are required for all flushes!
Click here for a downloadable and printable copy of this chart.