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Heparin versus saline IV flush comparative study

"This nurse-led research study investigates the comparative effectiveness of heparin versus 0.9% sodium chloride locking in blood cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either heparin or 0.9% sodium chloride locking for up to 7 days" Denke et al (2025).

"This nurse-led research study investigates the comparative effectiveness of heparin versus 0.9% sodium chloride locking in blood cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either heparin or 0.9% sodium chloride locking for up to 7 days" Denke et al (2025).

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Heparin versus saline IV flush comparative study

Abstract:

This nurse-led research study investigates the comparative effectiveness of heparin versus 0.9% sodium chloride locking in blood cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either heparin or 0.9% sodium chloride locking for up to 7 days. Results show no significant difference in maintaining the PICCs’ patency between the 2 locking methods. Additionally, heparin was associated with more side effects, higher costs, and increased nursing time compared to 0.9% sodium chloride. These findings support adopting 0.9% sodium chloride for PICC maintenance in blood cancer patients, aiming to enhance patient safety and reduce costs.


Reference:

Denke L, Allen M, Atem F, Nair K, Warkola R, Gonzales M. Heparin Versus Saline: A Comparative Study to Support Practice Change Within an Organization. J Infus Nurs. 2025 Jan-Feb 01;48(1):11-16. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000569. Epub 2024 Dec 26. PMID: 39760873.

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