I was just informed by our pharmacy that we are going to be running out of heparin flushes for Ports due to a recall. Wondering if anyone else is running into this. Wondering what else we can do? Just saline flushes? Help!
Yes, just saline but make sure the correct flush-clamp-disconnect technique is being used for the type of needleless connector(s) in your facility. Technique may be more important than solution. When removing the access needle to lock the port, make sure a positive pressure flushing technique is used as needle withdrawal can cause reflux. Many other solutions have been used in other countries. alternative locking solutions are not available in the USA in a prefilled syringe. That means compounding pharmacies must supply prefilled syringes that are filled in their pharmacy.
Yes, just saline but make sure the correct flush-clamp-disconnect technique is being used for the type of needleless connector(s) in your facility. Technique may be more important than solution. When removing the access needle to lock the port, make sure a positive pressure flushing technique is used as needle withdrawal can cause reflux. Many other solutions have been used in other countries. alternative locking solutions are not available in the USA in a prefilled syringe. That means compounding pharmacies must supply prefilled syringes that are filled in their pharmacy.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thank you Lynn!