I am wondering if there are best practice and/or standard concentrations used by neonatal units for UAC flush bags to maintain line patency. I am most familiar with hePARIN 0.5 units/mL and hePARIN 1 unit/mL but unsure if that is the standard of practice? Additionally, how do most facilities prepare this infusion? What hePARIN concentration product is used? Do you use the hePARIN IV flush syringe 500 units/5 mL syringe (100 units/mL 5 mL- classified as a device by FDA) or use hePARIN from another product(vial)? Do you add to prefilled NS or 0.45% saline bag or make exact volume?
We do not routinely prepare these bags and have had two near misses in the last month. I am looking to create a standard compounding form but would like some information from facilities who prepare these on a regular basis. In the past, I have used hePARIN 5000 unit/0.5 ml PF syringe, prepared an aliquot to get desired amount of hePARIN and compounded infusions at concentrations described above.

Thank you in advance for your replies

Jacqui Burr
jburr@bwmc.umms.org