I work for a 15 hospital system and we are tackling standardizing heparin concentrations used in radiology for peripheral vascular procedures (e.g. catheter directed thromboplysis). The radiologists say that they need dilute heparin so there is sufficient flow rate in addition to the MOA of heparin to prevent pericatheter thrombosis.

My premises to this project:
- Minimize available heparin drip concentrations to 1-2 at most organziation-wide
- Use premixed solutions whenever possible

Dear List,

What are your thoughts about adding a "Contains Heparin" sticker to the labels of low volume/high risk preps such as neonatal hydration fluids that contain heparin for maintaining line patency? It was suggested that this may be a way to reduce the risk of inadvertently administering a heparin-containing fluid.

Thank you in advance for your responses,
Jeff