Hi all. We have a patient with HIT and a catheter and our MD wants to use a sodium citrate solution to pack the lumens instead of heparin. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a company that makes it for this purpose. So far the only thing close was by a plasma pheresus company called Fenwal (formerly part of Baxter).

FYI, I'm not talking about citric acid you get as a powder or liquid for descaling/disinfection. I'm talking about a sterile solution of sodium citrate buffered with citric acid. I've seen it in 250ml bags.

Question 1: Are any of your clinics using this?
Question 2: Where are you getting it from and can I have some contact info.

I'd greatly appreciate any help you can give me.

CTTechie,

It is very commonly used in ICU's for central lines. Try contacting the pharmacy of the hospital you are affiliated with.

Chuck

hey,Chuck heard you will miss VEGAS.. CONTACT ME OLD SCHOOL

Sent you an email to your yahoo address, I hope it's still good.

Chuck

we have been using this on all lines as a line lock now for a couple of years with no problems.

WE USE TEGO CAPS.POSITIVE PRESSURE,DIALIZE THRU THEM AND FLUSH ONLY WITH 20CC NORMAL SALINE.CAN USE FOR A WEEK AND THEN CHANGE.WONDERFUL.DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY FLUSH.

Try the Bard company. They sell citrate here in Canada.

http://www.crbard.com/