Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Q: Is it necessary to use heparinized saline in pressure bag for arterial line monitoring?


Answer: No

Previously, it was a standard to use heparinized saline to use with pressure bag during arterial line monitoring. But recent guidelines suggest NOT to use heaprinized saline. Simple saline is equally good for flushing blood and medications through arterial lines, and it poses minimal risk of causing adverse drug events like potential HIT (Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia).



References:

1. Eliminate the Use of Heparin Solution with Arterial Lines - ihi.org recommendations, last update 04/23/2011

2. Whitta RK, Hall KF, Bennetts TM, Welman L, - Comparison of normal or heparinised saline flushing on function of arterial lines., Crit Care Resusc. 2006 Sep;8(3):205-8.

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