Is heparin 5000/cc still the solution/drug of choice for subclavian catheters post dialysis? Is anyone using NS?
Also those that use heparin, when starting the patient do you withdraw the heparin/blood and discard - if so how much are you withdrawing? thanks

Hi Susan,regarding the heparinization,we're still using 5000/ml heparin,but if there's a problem with clotting from the access,we are using Urokinase,if available, we use the same amount as the heparin lock prescribe.

The heparin lock on each lumen depends on the type of the catheter, it is written on the catheter pack, in the unit where I used to work,we usually keep the heparin lock guide from the catheter pack so that we dont have to ask the doctor who put it. But here in England,the doctor writes the heparin lock on the patient's chart.

Before we hook the patient to the machine, we should aspirate/withdraw first the heparin lock on both lumen co'z there might be some bloodclot which of course we do not want to go through the circulation. We withdraw the same amount we put in and discard it. Then post HD we have to put another heparin lock. But when the patient have a problem with bleeding,we just flush both lumen with saline of course with the knowledge of the doctor.

Hope I make sense. Bye.

[This message has been edited by mymy (edited 01-29-2000).]