Bard Access Systems, Inc.
23
Flushing the Catheter and “Heparin Lock” Procedure
Supplies you will need:
•
Alcohol or povidone iodine wipe.
•
10 mL syringe with attached 1 inch (2.5 cm) needle filled with
2.5 mL of heparin, prepared for use
• Tape
The steps in the procedure are:
1. Collect your supplies in a convenient place.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Remove the tape that is around the injection cap.
4. Clean the cap with an alcohol or povidone iodine wipe. If you use the
iodine wipe, allow the cap to air dry for two minutes -- be sure not to
touch the cap during this time. Do not blow on the area or allow the
clean cap to dangle since this increases the chance of contamination of
the area with germs.
5. Remove the needle cover and carefully insert the needle into the center
of the catheter injection cap.
6. Release the clamp.
7. Inject the heparin into the
catheter. As you inject the last
0.5 mL of heparin solution,
withdraw the needle from
the injection cap. If you are
flushing the catheter of a child, do not flush too rapidly because the
child’s circulatory system is small and sensitive to rapid changes in
volume and pressure.
8. Remove the needle from the injection cap. Discard the syringe and
needle in a biohazard container.
9. Retape the cap as outlined in the injection cap change procedure.
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