Patient education: Saline lock (The Basics)

What is a saline lock? — A saline lock is a type of IV. An IV is a thin tube that goes into a vein. It can be used to give a person medicines or other fluids. With a saline lock, the IV is flushed with saline (salt water). Then, it is capped off instead of connected to fluids.

In some cases, the IV is called a "heparin lock," or "hep lock." In the past, these were flushed with an anticoagulant called heparin. Anticoagulants are medicines used to prevent or treat blood clots.

You might need a saline lock:

●To get medicines without needing a new IV placed each time

●In case you need IV fluids or medicines again

●For quick access in case of an emergency

How is a saline lock placed? — If you already have an IV and no longer need IV fluids or medicines, the staff will give you a small amount of saline through your IV. Then, they will place a cap on the end of the IV tube.

If you need a new saline lock, the staff will place a regular IV, flush it, and cap it off.

What happens after I have a saline lock? — The staff might give you a small amount of fluid through the IV before giving medicine or other fluids. This is to make sure that the IV is working well. If you are not getting medicines through the IV, the staff will either remove it or flush it a few times each day.

While the saline lock is in place, keep the IV and dressing dry and clean. Tell the staff if you have any:

●Redness

●Drainage

●Burning or pain around the IV or when the IV is flushed

More on this topic

Patient education: What to watch for when you have an IV (The Basics)
Patient education: Staying safe in the hospital (The Basics)