Catheter Flushing Protocol

The
Infusion Nurses Society's Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice clearly define three purposes of catheter flushing; to assess catheter function, to maintain catheter patency, and to prevent contact between incompatible medications or fluids that could produce a precipitate. For effective catheter flushing, the nurse must have an understanding of technique and the equipment used within his/her institution as well as the type of catheter in use.
Download > Catheter Flushing Protocol Poster
This reference correlates to the online continuing education courses in our
Infusion Section.
(Short) Peripheral IV |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 2 ml NS
|
N/A |
Pre admin 2 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
N/A |
At least every 12 hours |
N/A |
Midline |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 3 ml NS
|
N/A |
Pre admin 3 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
N/A |
At least every 12 hours |
3 ml of 10 unit/ml Heparin |
PICC |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 5 ml NS
|
5 ml NS |
Pre admin 5 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
Pre draw 5 ml NS
Post draw 10 ml NS |
Non-valved:
at least q 24° |
5 ml of 10 unit/ml Heparin |
Valved:
at least weekly |
N/A |
Non-Tunneled |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 5 ml NS
|
5 ml NS |
Pre admin 5 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
Pre draw 5 ml NS
Post draw 10 ml NS |
Non-valved:
at least q 24° |
5 ml of 10 unit/ml Heparin |
Valved:
at least weekly |
N/A |
Tunneled |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 5 ml NS
|
5 ml NS |
Pre admin 5 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
Pre draw 5 ml NS
Post draw 10 ml NS |
Non-valved:
at least 1 - 2 times per week |
5 ml of 10 unit/ml Heparin |
Valved:
at least weekly |
N/A |
Port |
Pre admin and Post admin;
Minimum of 5 ml NS
|
5 ml NS |
Pre admin 5 ml
Post admin 10 ml NS |
Pre draw 5 ml NS
Post draw 10 ml NS |
Accessed-Non-valved:
at least 1-2 times per week |
3-5 ml of 100 unit/ml Heparin |
Valved:
at least weekly |
N/A |
Deaccessed:
at least monthly |
3-5 ml of 100 unit/ml Heparin |