A heparin flush is a medical procedure using a low-dose anticoagulant, heparin, to maintain the functionality of intravenous access devices. This routine practice keeps medical lines open for use, supporting ongoing intravenous therapy.
Understanding Heparin Flushes
A heparin flush uses a dilute solution of heparin, an anticoagulant or “blood thinner,” typically 10 or 100 units/mL. This concentration is much lower than therapeutic doses for treating blood clots. Its role is to prevent clots from forming within intravenous (IV) catheters or other vascular access devices, not elsewhere in the body.
Heparin works by enhancing antithrombin III, a natural protein that inactivates clotting factors. This action prevents blood components from adhering to the catheter walls, which could cause blockages. The low concentration ensures its effects are localized to the device.
Purpose and Common Uses
Heparin flushes maintain the patency of medical devices providing direct bloodstream access. These include IV catheters, central venous lines, PICCs, and implanted ports. Without regular flushing, these lines can block with fibrin and blood clots, making them unusable for medication or blood draws.
Routine flushing prevents blood component accumulation inside the catheter, ensuring continuous functionality. This minimizes complications like occlusion, which could delay treatments. Keeping the pathway clear reduces device replacement and supports uninterrupted patient care.
How It Is Administered
A heparin flush is administered by injecting the solution directly into the catheter’s access port. Trained healthcare professionals, typically nurses, perform this procedure using sterile technique to prevent infection. The process is quick, involving a small volume, often 1 to 5 milliliters.
Administration frequency varies by device and protocol, but is commonly daily or after each use. For instance, PICC lines may be flushed every 8-12 hours when not in continuous use. Proper technique includes cleaning the access port with an alcohol wipe before connecting the syringe.
Key Safety Information
It is important to distinguish a heparin flush from therapeutic heparin. Therapeutic heparin is administered in higher concentrations to treat or prevent blood clots throughout the body. Heparin flushes use a much lower concentration, significantly reducing systemic effects and the risk of bleeding, though it is not entirely absent.
Though generally well-tolerated, rare side effects can occur. These include localized irritation or redness at the injection site. Allergic reactions, while uncommon, can manifest as hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. An extremely rare but serious complication is Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), where the body develops antibodies against heparin, leading to decreased platelets and a risk of new blood clots.
Patients should promptly report any unusual symptoms, such as unusual bruising, persistent bleeding, swelling, pain, or signs of an allergic reaction. Heparin flushes must always be administered by trained medical personnel to ensure proper technique and patient safety.