Implanted venous ports allow hospice patients to receive IV medications or intermittent infusions safely and comfortably. Routine flushing keeps the port patent, prevents clot formation, and ensures the device is ready for use when needed.
This guide explains what comes in the Port Flush Kit and walks hospice nurses through safe access, flushing, and de-accessing.
What’s included in the Port Flush Kit
Each kit contains the essential supplies needed to access and flush an implanted port:
- Gloves (8 Medium)
- Alcohol Swabs (10)
- Normal Saline 10 mL Flush (3)
- Heparin 100 units/mL, 5 mL Flush (1)
- 2" × 2" Gauze (3)
- Sterile Dressing Kit (1)
- Huber Needle ¾" (3)
- Clave Needle-Free Connectors (3)
- Extension Tubing (1)
- Sharps Container (1)
These supplies support sterile access, flushing, and safe needle disposal.
Preparing for the flush
Begin by performing hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer and allow hands to dry completely. Lay out all supplies on a clean, dry work surface and inspect the saline and heparin syringes for clarity and expiration. Put on non-sterile gloves.
Before accessing the port, gently tap each syringe to move air bubbles to the top and expel excess air so only fluid remains. Keep syringes capped until ready to use.
Accessing the port
Cleanse the skin over the port with an alcohol swab, moving in outward circular motions. Allow the area to fully dry. Attach the Huber needle to the extension tubing and connect the Clave needle-free connector. Prime the tubing with Normal Saline until all air is removed.
Stabilize the port with one hand. Insert the Huber needle at a 90-degree angle straight through the septum until fully seated. Confirm proper placement by gently aspirating to check for blood return. If blood return is absent, you may gently reposition the needle or restart with a new setup depending on agency protocol.
Once access is verified, secure the needle using the sterile dressing kit so the site remains protected and visible.
Flushing the port
Attach a 10 mL saline syringe and flush using the push–pause technique, which helps create turbulence inside the catheter:
- Push 1–2 mL
- Pause briefly
- Repeat until the full volume is delivered
Watch the site closely for signs of complications such as:
- Swelling
- Pain or burning
- Leakage
- Unusual resistance
If any appear, stop flushing immediately and reassess.
If a heparin lock is required, follow the saline flush with 5 mL of heparin (100 units/mL), again using the push–pause method. Heparin locking is generally performed when the port will not be used again for several hours or days.
De-accessing and post-flush care
After flushing is complete, hold the port securely and withdraw the Huber needle straight out. Immediately place a 2" × 2" gauze pad over the site and apply gentle pressure for several seconds. A small sterile dressing may be applied if needed.
Dispose of the used needle, tubing, and syringes directly into the sharps container. All other waste should be discarded according to hospice policy. Document the procedure, including the volumes used, blood return status, and any complications or patient concerns.
Additional guidance
Unused ports are typically flushed every 4 weeks with saline followed by heparin. Ports that are in active use should be flushed before and after each infusion.
Never force a flush. If resistance is felt, stop and reassess placement or follow agency troubleshooting procedures.
By following this protocol, hospice nurses can maintain the safety, patency, and reliability of implanted ports while ensuring patient comfort and reducing the risk of complications.