Please take part in our survey to establish current flushing practice for long-term central venous access devices (CVADs).

NIVAS is conducting a survey to establish current practice in the UK for flushing long-term central venous access devices (CVADs). The CVADs included in this survey are:-

• Skin-tunnelled central venous catheters (CVCs) (valved and non-valved types)
• Implanted ports (valved and non-valved types)
• Peripherally inserted central catheters (valved and non-valved types)

Please note that this survey does not include midline catheters, short-term, non-tunnelled, uncuffed CVCs, haemodialysis/apheresis CVCs (short- and long-term devices).

Why are we conducting this survey?

Since the publication of the rapid response report NPSA/2008/RRR002 ‘Risks with intravenous heparin flush solutions’ (NPSA, 2008) advising NHS Trusts to minimise the use of heparin flushes, we are aware that some Trusts have stopped using heparin to flush long-term CVADs and may have changed to using 10 units per ml of heparin to flush implanted ports.

We would like to collect information on what is used in practice to flush long-term CVADs and whether stopping using heparin, or using a weaker heparin solution, has led to any increase in complications, e.g. infection or occlusions.

How will the information from the survey be used?

The information used will be collated, and a report published, so that practice can be shared.

The results of this survey will be presented at our annual conference, on Day 2, Thursday 16 June 2011. Click here for more information, to view the agenda and to register.

How can I find out more information about flushing CVADs?

We will be updating this webpage over the next few months with news of the survey and additional references and information. For a current reference list, please click here.

How to take part in the survey

Please take part in our survey by either completing the paper version of the survey, or by completing the spreadsheet. Download these documents here.

PDF version to be downloaded, printed, completed and posted to address on the survey form

Excel version to be downloaded, saved on your computer and then emailed to bravek@gosh.nhs.uk

Please let other colleagues working in infusion therapy and vascular access know about this survey so that we can reach as many people as possible.

Any other questions?

Please contact Karen Bravery: bravek@gosh.nhs.uk

Thank you for taking part in this survey.

NIVAS Committee

Lisa Dougherty (Chair)

Jill Kayley                Janice Gabriel                    Katie Scales                Andrew Bodenham               Jackie Nicholson               Susan Keeling