IV Flush Syringes

An IV flush syringe is used to clear and maintain IV catheters, flush out medication residue, ensure IV patency, and reduce the risk of infection or clot formation during and after infusions. Most commonly, they are filled with 0.9% normal saline solution and designed for use with IV lines, PICC lines, and central venous catheters.

10 mL syringes are recommended as the standard and minimum size to flush most peripheral and central IV catheters, including PICC lines. The larger barrel ensures lower pressure, reducing the risk of catheter damage or rupture.

Pre-filled 10 mL sterile saline flush syringes are standard in most hospitals and clinics. Some protocols use 3 mL or 5 mL for small IVs or pediatric use, but 10 mL is safest and best practice.

A normal saline flush syringe is a sterile, prefilled syringe containing 0.9% sodium chloride solution (normal saline) used to flush IV lines, keep them open, and prevent occlusion or infection.

Due to concerns about heparin-induced side effects, allergies, and the effectiveness of saline flushes alone, most institutions use saline-only flushes. Heparin flushes are now reserved for specific indications (e.g., certain central lines or long-term ports).

Clean the IV port with an alcohol swab for 15-30 seconds. Attach the saline flush syringe to the port. Gently inject 2-5 mL saline (depending on protocol and catheter type) using a push-pause (pulse) technique. Observe for resistance, swelling, or burning. Remove the syringe and ensure the IV site stays clean and intact.

BD PosiFlush™ syringes are prefilled, sterile saline syringes with a unique design to minimize contamination and medication errors. They’re used for safe and convenient IV or PICC line flushing.

2–5 mL for peripheral IVs; 5–10 mL for central lines and PICC lines. Always refer to your facility’s protocol.

Burning may indicate: Vein irritation or infiltration Phlebitis or infection Flushing too rapidly Notify your nurse or provider immediately if burning occurs.

Flush slowly using the push-pause method (pulse flush): Peripheral IV: over 5–10 seconds for 3–5 mL Central/PICC: over 10–30 seconds for 10 mL

No. Heparin flush contains a low dose of heparin (anticoagulant), while saline flush is just 0.9% sodium chloride. Saline flushes are now the standard in most settings.

Rarely: Infection if not performed with strict sterile technique, air embolism, vein irritation, infiltration if the IV isn’t in the vein. Proper use and technique make saline flushes extremely safe.

0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) in a prefilled, sterile syringe.

Wipe the IV port, attach syringe, flush with push-pause method, then discard the used syringe in a sharps container.

Not always. Lack of blood return can happen with small-gauge catheters or PICC lines, but IV patency can still be confirmed by easy saline flush.

5–10 mL of 0.9% saline per flush is standard for PICC and central lines.

Prevents clot formation, blockage, and infection Ensures the line is patent and ready for medication or fluid administration

Prefilled saline flush syringes are sterile and single-use only. Check expiration date and do not use if past date or compromised.

Yes, but rarely needed. Most protocols use saline only except for special patients/central lines.

Yes, all prefilled saline flush syringes are sterile and single-use to prevent infection.

Flush before and after medications, after blood draws, and every 8–12 hours (per facility policy) to keep lines patent.

Stop immediately, assess for blockage or infiltration, and try troubleshooting steps (reposition, flush again). If resistance persists, start a new IV.

PosiFlush works like any prefilled flush: attach, flush with push-pause, detach, and dispose.

Fast flushing can cause discomfort, vein irritation, or even damage to the IV catheter—always flush slowly and gently.

Sterile, medical-grade prefilled 10 mL (and other sizes) syringes 0.9% sodium chloride or heparin-free, in convenient packaging Latex-free, DEHP-free, and compatible with all IV lines and ports Trusted by hospitals, clinics, and home infusion care teams worldwide Cost-effective, easy-to-use, and time-saving for caregivers and clinicians