So just what ARE we all doing about this shortage of Heparin? We frequently switch to normal saline on inpatients with HIT and I am ok with that. Concerns are with dialysis catheters which typically use a higher dose of Heparin as a dwell between treatments. Is anyone switching to a TPA lock? What are your contingency plans?
Lepirudin has been studied also. See the entry on my blog with links to references. Lynn
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
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems
American Society of Hospital Pharmacists have recommendations for alternatives to heparin (ASHP). It is suggested to coserve heparin for flushing lines.
kathy
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems