title: Intermittent heparin flushing protocols. A standardization issue.
abstract: The intermittent intravenous lock is an expedient method for accomplishing periodic I.V. procedures. Unfortunately, the heparinized saline solution used to flush these catheters has not been standardized to any acceptable degree. In response to this lack of standardization, a nationwide survey was conducted to obtain a consensus that might lead to a recommendation of standards for heparin flushing protocols. This article presents the results of the survey and reviews literature regarding current flushing protocols.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fry
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000592:standards*; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin