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The most common practices are for 10 to 20 mL of saline, but this is really not evidence-based. This is one of those areas where no research is available to provide the scientific answer. For blood sampling, you want a large quantity to adequately remove as much of the blood components as possible that may adhere to the catheter walls. 5 to 10 mLs may be ok for starting parenteral nutrition. The purpose of all flushing procedures is to maintain patency and prevent contact between incompatibie medications but this is also an important part of your assessment of the line functionality. You will need to aspirate for a blood return and to then flush to ascertain if you are meeting any resistance to flushing. Lynn