Comparative Efficacy of Heparin Saline and Normal Saline Flush for Maintaining Patency of Peripheral Intravenous Lines: A Randomized Control Trial. -

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of normal saline with heparin saline flush in keeping peripheral intravenous (IV) lines patent among patients admitted in medical and surgical wards of selected hospital. Subjects and Method: Conveniently recruited 75 patients were equally randomized into 3 groups i.e. Control Group, Normal Saline group and heparin saline group. Normal saline flush (1ml) using SAS technique (Saline flush, Administration of drug, followed by Saline flush) and heparin saline flush (10 units heparin in 1 ml of normal saline) using SASH technique (Saline flush, Administration of drug followed by Saline Flush proceeded by Heparin saline flush) was administered in normal saline and heparin saline group respectively each-time following IV medication administration consecutively for 72 hours; with no intervention in control group. Results: There was significant difference (p