How often should you flush a saline lock?

Flushing a saline lock every hour to 2 hours is essential to maintain its patency and prevent occlusion. This routine helps ensure that the intravenous access remains open and ready for potential medication administration or additional fluids if needed. Regular flushing clears any potential blockages or crystallization that could occur, particularly in a saline lock that is not being continuously used for infusions.

In clinical practice, adhering to this flushing schedule minimizes the risks of complications such as infection or thrombosis, while also ensuring that the intravenous route is effectively maintained should an urgent need arise for medication or fluid therapy. This practice aligns with standard protocols for intravenous care, reflecting the importance of maintaining vascular access in patient management.