There seems to be controversy about using heparin –vs. - saline to flush multi-lumen catheters.  The traditional method of flushing each port Q 8 hrs with heparin flush is a bit much.  However, I have found a clotted port or two when just saline is used to flush.  It would seem reasonable to flush with heparin only once every 24 hours, as this is how a PICC is maintained.  What is the current practice recommendation?

Thanks for your time.

Barb Dallas, RN, BSN, SANE

Lincoln County Medical Center