Saline flush

A saline flush is the method of clearing out intravenous lines (IVs), Central Lines or Arterial Lines of any medicine or other perishable liquids so that they can keep the area of entering clean and sterile. Typically in flushing an intravenous cannula, a 5ml syringe of saline is emptied into the medication port of the cannula's connecting hub after insertion. Blood left in the cannula or hub can lead to clots forming and blocking the cannula. Flushing is required before drip is connected to ensure that the IV is still patent.