Comparing the effectiveness of Normal saline and Heparin in NSS lock for maintaining patency of peripheral venous catheter

Abstract

This research aims to determine the efficacy of using normal saline solution and heparin solution in normal saline in the concentration of 20:1, 30:1, and 100:1 to find out the lowest concentration for maintaining patency of intravenous (IV) lock. This study was done in the patients who hospitalized in Respiratory Care Unit and Medical ward and Male Medicine ward in Songklanagarind Hospital (N=47).

Method: This study used Block design and randomized double blind technique.

Result: All subjects were assigned for four different groups. In each group the study was done in80 IV sites (Total = 320 IV sites). The result showed that heparin solution in normal saline in the concentration of 30:1 could maintain the longest life span of the intravenous (IV) locked in comparison with other flush solutions.