Flushing External Central Catheter

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Penn Home Infusion Team
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Always flush your catheter after each use. When catheter is not in use, flush once daily.

You will need the following supplies:

• (1) 10 cc Cannula syringe
• (1) vial 100 u/cc Heparin
• (1) vial adapter
• (1) clamp
• alcohol wipes
• (1) tape
• (1) disposable needle container

Preparing the Flushing Solution

1. Wash your hands (See Handwashing section for more information.)
2. Remove cap to 100 u/cc Heparin vial and clean with alcohol wipe. Let dry.
3. Remove cover from vial adapter.
4. Insert adapter into Heparin vial.
5. Remove cap from syringe and draw up 3 cc of air.
6. Insert syringe into cannula vial adapter and turn over.
7. Inject 3 cc of air.
8. Withdraw 3 cc Heparin.
9. Remove all air from the syringe.
10. Wipe injection site on your catheter with alcohol wipe. Let dry.
11. Slowly inject 3cc of Heparin through the injection site.

DANGER: KEEP ALL SUPPLIES OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN AND PETS

Procedure for Flushing

You will need the following supplies:

• (1) 10 cc syringe filled with 3 cc of Heparin (100 u/cc)
• alcohol wipes
• disposable needle container

1. Wash your hands (See Handwashing section for more information.)
2. Draw up heparin (see drawing up heparin for more information).
3. Wipe the Injection Site with an alcohol wipe.
4. Slowly inject 3 cc of heparin flush into your catheter.
5. Dispose needles and syringes in the disposable needle container.
6. Tape your catheter in a looped position on dressing.