What is Saline flush used for

A saline flush is the method of clearing intravenous lines (IVs), central lines or arterial lines of any medicine or other perishable liquids to keep the lines (tubes) and entry area clean and sterile. Typically in flushing an intravenous cannula, a 5 - 10ml syringe of saline is emptied into the medication port of the cannula's connecting hub after insertion of the cannula. A 10ml syringe needs to be used to ensure correct pressure, whether you are giving 5ml or 10ml [1] Blood left in the cannula or hub can lead to clots forming and blocking the cannula. Flushing is required before a drip is connected to ensure that the IV is still patent.

Flushing is also used after medications are delivered by the medication port to ensure all the drug is delivered fully. If multiple medications are given through the same line, flushing can be used in between drugs to ensure that the medicines won't react. This is especially important if complex regimes of intravenous medication is used such as in chemotherapy.

Flushing with saline should be painless if the cannula is in its proper place, although if the saline is not warmed there may be a cold sensation running up the vein. A painful flush may indicate tissuing or phlebitis and is an indication that the cannula should be relocated.[1]

Solutions other than normal saline may be used. Heparinised saline may be used in flushing arterial lines, to prevent clotting and blockage of the line.[citation needed]

When syringes are used to perform a saline flush, it is important that the syringe not be reused for multiple patients, even though direct contact with the patient does not normally occur.[2]

In angiography, a saline flush is used to improve the dispersion of contrast media before imaging, This can prevent streak artefact due to concentrated bands of contrast media in the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic vein. Flushing can also increase hydration within contrast media, thus reducing the risk of contrast induced nephro toxicity.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Longmore, Murray; Ian B. Wilkinson; Edward H. Davidson; Alexander Foulkes; Ahmad R. Mafi (2010). Oxford Handbook of clinical Medicine. Oxford Handbook. Oxford university Press. ISBN 978-0-19-923217-8.
  2. ^ "HEPATITIS C - USA (02): (TEXAS) REUSED SALINE FLUSH SYRINGES, 2015". ProMED-mail. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  3. ^ Bae, Kyongtae T. (July 2010). "Intravenous Contrast Medium Administration and Scan Timing at CT: Considerations and Approaches". Radiology. 256 (1): 32–61. doi:10.1148/radiol.10090908. ISSN 0033-8419.

This product is used to help prevent IV catheters from becoming blocked and also to help remove any medication that may be left at the catheter site.

How to use Saline Flush Syringe

This product is given by injection into the IV catheter as directed by your doctor.

If you are using this product at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if you have any signs of an infection near the catheter site (such as tenderness, pain, swelling, redness, warmth).

Side Effects

Mild irritation at the injection site may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is considered safe to use during pregnancy.

This medication is considered safe to use during breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Does Saline Flush Syringe interact with other drugs you are taking?

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

What is normal saline flush used for?

This product is used to help prevent IV catheters from becoming blocked and also to help remove any medication that may be left at the catheter site. This product is given by injection into the IV catheter as directed by your doctor.

Do saline flushes need to be prescribed?

Today, the most common fluid administered as an IV flush is sodium chloride 0.9% due to its compatibility with many IV drugs and fluids. It is purchased and stocked as small plastic or glass ampoules, and is legally classified as a prescription-only medicine (PoM) because of the intended IV route of administration.

Why is it important to flush IV?

The flush at the end of the IV administration or blood sampling procedure prevents accumulation by intraluminal drug deposits or fibrin and a clean surface impedes attachment from microorganisms to the inner wall.