Hi Everyone,
Does anyone know if there is a recommended minimum infusion rate for IV administration thru a central line? For example, if medication drip rate is 3.2ml/hr, should there be a maintenance IV running to at least equal a total IV rate of at least 10mls/hr or is it safe to administer the medication at a rate of 3.2ml/hr by itself? Is there a risk of the CVC clotting?  Vickie, RN, CRNI--Green Bay, WI       Â
There is no such recommendation. There never has been a minimum rate established that will be sufficient to "keep vein open". There are numerous factors that lead to catheter lumen and vein occlusion and the flow rate is only one simple factor. A medication infusing at 3.2 mL would require an infusion pump to obtain accuracy. This would create a positive flow through the catheter, but it would not prevent fibrin/thrombus from forming around the catheter tip. So no such rate exists.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
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