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FLUSHING YOUR IMPLANTED ACCESS PORT
FLUSHING YOUR IMPLANTED ACCESS PORTTRANSCRIPTEach time your port is accessed it will be flushed. Flushing your implanted port is animportant part of regular port care. It cleans it on the inside to prevent infection andclotting.Normally your port will be flushed before and after getting medications or fluids, andafter getting your blood drawn. If you don’t use your implanted port regularly, talk toyour healthcare provider about how often your port needs to be flushed. It must beflushed at least once a month.Usually, normal saline will be used to flush your port, but your healthcare providermay also prescribe a flush with Heparin. Heparin is a medication that prevents yourblood from clotting and can help keep the tube open.To flush the port, your healthcare provider will clean the injection cap with antiseptic,and attach a syringe of normal saline. She will open the clamp and push the salinethrough the tube. All of the saline in the syringe will be used to thoroughly clean theinside of the line and prevent infection.Once the port is flushed, the clamp is closed and the saline syringe is removed. Theinjection cap is cleaned with antiseptic again and left to air dry.If you need medication at this time, it is connected to the injection cap and deliveredthrough the line. If you notice any leakage while getting your medications, tell yourhealthcare provider right away.Once all of your medication is given, it will be disconnected from the injection cap andthe cap wiped with antiseptic.Now the port must be flushed again with normal saline to keep the line clean.If Heparin is used to clean your port, your port will always be flushed with normal20% gradient meshsaline before using Heparin and the Heparin will be drawn out of your port the nexttime it is accessed.healthclipsRemember, flush with normal saline solution. Get medication or fluid. Flush withhealthclipsnormal saline solution again. Flush with Heparin if prescribed.healthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10009_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
Heart & Vascular Center
Learn what you and your family members need to do and care for in order to keep your implanted access port working well and complication-free.
Learn how to properly care for your implanted port to keep it infection free and in good working order to keep it in use for several weeks to months.
Learn how your implanted access port will be properly removed by your healthcare provider.
Watch how regularly and safely cleaning your PICC line helps to keep your device working properly and prevent infection.
