Recently I was asked from oncology nrsing staff if we need to flush a heplocked lumen after a blood draw from the other lumen. The idea behind is that the heplocked lumen might have blood reflux into the lumen when the other lumen is used for blood draws. In order to reduce CVC infection rate, I know we should minimize the entries into CVC lumens. Please share with us how is your practice in your hospital. By the way, we are not talking about staggered lumens, but the tip is cut side by side.
Minimize entries by not drawing blood from a CVAD unless the patient has no other options. There are no studies addressing your question but it is probably a wise thing to do. 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