Tuesday October 4, 2005
Flushing of lines
As we are diagnosing more and more HIT (Heaprin induced Thrombocytopenia) in our ICUs - it is important to know:
1. Saline flush is as effective as heparin flush for venous catheters.
2. Heparin flush is still preferable for A-lines but if contra-indicated or concern of HIT - 1.4% Na-citrate solution is an effective alternative.
Recommended Readings:
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/316/7136/969 - BMJ
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/3/882 - Chest
