How do you flush a portacath?

To flush a portacath:

1. Gather the necessary supplies:

- 0.9% normal saline or sterile water

- A Leur-lock syringe (10 mL or larger)

- A Leur-lock needle (25 gauge or smaller)

- Alcohol swabs

- Adhesive tape

- A sharps container

2. Prepare the portacath:

- Wash your hands and put on gloves.

- Cleanse the injection port with an alcohol swab.

- Remove the cap from the injection port.

3. Connect the syringe to the portacath:

- Attach the Leur-lock needle to the syringe.

- Insert the needle into the injection port.

- Tighten the needle hub to secure it in place.

4. Flush the portacath:

- Gently inject 10 mL of saline or sterile water into the portacath.

- Hold the syringe in place for a few seconds to allow the fluid to flow through the catheter.

- Withdraw the syringe plunger to aspirate any residual fluid.

5. Disconnect the syringe from the portacath:

- Loosen the needle hub and remove the needle from the injection port.

- Discard the syringe and needle into the sharps container.

6. Clean the injection port:

- Cleanse the injection port with an alcohol swab.

- Apply adhesive tape over the injection port to secure it.

7. Dispose of the supplies:

- Discard all used supplies into the appropriate waste containers.

- Wash your hands again.

Note: If you experience any resistance or pain during flushing, stop the procedure and contact your healthcare provider.