Colleagues,
I am trying to find out if it is common to do exchange transfusion for sickle cell patients through the Portacath. Currently it is our policy NOT to use the Port for the phlebotomy but we try to place an 18g PIV to remove and use the Port for everything else. We do this to reduce the risk of the Ports clotting off on a regular basis. Of course this then makes the management of these patients challenging as we need our best VAS to place a good enough PIV to do the exchange.
Can anyone advise what their centers are doing? if using the Ports regularly do they require regular Cathflo?
Thank you - I would appreciate any information/advise
Also see INS Standard 64 Therapeutic PHlebotomy which addresses this issue. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thank you Lynn!
Can anyone speak to their experience routinely using Portacaths for Exchange Transfusions?
SOD
I have done many therapeutic phlebotomies but not through any type of CVAD. Usually the blood is extremely viscous. So drainage of blood from the catheter by simple gravity is not enough. You will probably need to use a large port access needle (19g) and aspirate manually with large syringes. This can be time consuming but it may be the only way for that patient. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861