Forum topic

This question was asked of me regarding Heparinizing the new Power Port from Bard. Because we Heparinize the port upon needle removal and patient discharge, the next time the patient is admitted, and port accessed, do we need to discard that first specimen? I will admit that our proactice has never asked for the first specimen to be discarded from any central line prior to flush. Our exception is the rare time that we are going to access a Hemodialysis catheter for IV use. Then we do aspirate and discard, but that is Heparin 1000units/ml. Our Power Port is flushed with Heparin 100units/ml. I am wondering what other people are doing in regards to central line access. Is the line aspirated first, specimen discarded, and THEN flushed? Thanks, Patty