What is the purpose of saline flush in IV therapy?

The purpose of a saline flush in IV therapy primarily serves to prevent clot formation in the catheter. When a peripheral or central venous catheter is in place, it can become a site for clot formation due to the presence of blood and the potential for blood stasis in the catheter. Regular flushing with saline ensures that the catheter remains patent by clearing any potential blockages that could lead to thrombus development.

In addition to preventing clot formation, flushing with saline also helps maintain the integrity of the vascular access for medication administration by ensuring that blood does not coagulate in the catheter. This practice is particularly important before and after medication delivery to make sure that the flow is clear and that the entirety of the medication has been delivered into the bloodstream. Regular saline flushing is a crucial aspect of IV maintenance to promote ongoing efficacy and safety in IV therapy.