Hi, What's your take on using Heparin for central lines and PIVs for both adults and pediatrics? We were informed recently that INS guideline states we should only use saline for central and PIVs. Please let me know what is currently evidence-based practice. Thank you!
Charity
Saline has been the standard locking solution for PIVs for almost 30 years. This is based on many studies showing the same outcomes with saline and heparin, The 2016 INS Standards stated that either saline or heparin lock solution 10 units per mL can be used for CVADs. Multiple studies show the clinical outcomes are the same for CVADs with either solution. One is no better or worse than the other. The most important aspect is NOT the solution with either PIV or CVAD. The most important thing is the technique and sequence of clamping and disconnecting based on the how the chosen needleless connector works. For negative displacement, flush, clamp, then disconnect. For positive, flush, disconnect, then clamp. For neutral either sequence is acceptable. Please read 2016 Standard on Flushing and Locking for all information you need to know. Lynn
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
Thanks Lynn! That was truly helpful...