What is heparin flush?
Heparin flushing is a procedure that is done to ensure that the catheter remains clear. Heparin prevents clotting inside the catheter so that its drugs can flow and blood can be taken for analysis. This procedure can be carried out by a hospital care provider or patient at home after the patient has been carefully instructed on how to flush heparin. Patients who need to rinse at home are usually given leaflets and personal teaching of a nurse or doctor and it is important to be attentive because heparin flushing can be dangerous. They can be used in a variety of settings and for the range of purposes. For example, patients with cancer are sometimes equipped with temporary catheters and ports for chemotherapy infusion, so the nurse may not place a line for each treatment and can be administered with intravenous lines so that Medications may be delivered intravenously and provide hospital staff fast access to the patient's veins.
The longer the catheter is left in place, the higher the probability that it will be blocked by blood clots or other foreign materials. For this reason, the catheter must be regularly flushed by a solution that cleans the line. If it does not do so, the patient could develop an infection, the catheter could rupture or the patient medication may not be delivered.
When flushing heparin, a diluted heparin solution is injected into the catheter. Heparin is an anticoagulant and breaks all the clots that could form in the catheter. Doctors may also use a physiological solution in which the catheter is rinsed by a sterile physiological solution; Sometimes both types of flushing are used to manage the catheter. Heparin flushing must be carried out consistently to keep the appliance clean.
heparin solution designed for heparin rush is not designed for oral or injection. Was formulated specifically for use with catheters and it is important to useThe right dose that depends on the type of catheter and patient. Some companies produce heparin syringes that are pre -diluted doses and are ready for use. In other cases, the syringe must be prepared for each flush.
One of the common complications of heparin flushing is bleeding problems. Patients should report symptoms such as gum bleeding, dark urine and unusual bruises for their doctors.