Congratulations on getting a port! You're going to LOVE it. Don't forget to check out my port pictures and stuff on my blog, <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com
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The plan I was instructed to follow for the port flushing when doing a course of IVs is as follows:
BEFORE 1st ANTIBIOTIC
1.Wipe clave with alcohol prep pad
2. Flush with 5ml of saline
BETWEEN ANTIBIOTICS
1. Wipe clave with alcohol prep pad
2. flush with 3ml of saline
3. Cap the end of the completed antibiotic's tubing
AFTER LAST ANTIBIOTIC
1. Wipe clave with alcohol prep pad
2. Flush with 5ml of saline
3. Flush with 3ml of heparin
4. Cap the end of the antibiotic tubing
I agree with Mandi on the not leaving it hooked up between meds. Most nurses recommend it and follow that protocol in the hospitals. The reasoning is, the fewer times you expose the line to the air, the less likely you are to contaminate the line, and less likely to have problems with air bubbles. This makes sense, but it's sort of annoying to always have the tubing connected. Also, I've found that when I leave the tubing connected too long, I have a VERY difficult time disconnecting it when I'm ready to flush.
As to the effects of heparin in the body, I just recently asked the specialists about that. They assured me that the heparin used in flushing a port have a negligible effect on the body. The concentration and the amount of heparin that's being put into the line, is not enough to cause clotting issues. On the flip side, the heparin put into the port is also not sufficient for preventing DVT, so be sure you're walking around enough and not just lounging for the next 14-21 days while you do your IV therapy.
You're going to do great with this! Will you be using a pump and IV push system or is the medication infused via gravity drip? Either way, having a port is SO much better than having a PICC or midline. You won't have problems with the line getting kinked or anything. Congrats on making this big step to self-sufficiency in the infusion department! *high five*