Why Flushing Your IV Catheter is Important

Flushing your IV catheter helps:

• Keeping the line open and free of clots
• Preventing infection
• Ensuring medications flow properly

You’ll use the SASH technique to flush your line before and after medication administration and once daily for any unused IV lumens.

What is the SASH Technique?

SASH is a simple acronym to help you remember the correct flushing sequence:

S – Saline (flush with saline)

A – Administer your medication

S – Saline (flush again with saline)

H – Heparin (if prescribed)

 Not all catheters require heparin. Use only if your provider or pharmacy instructs you to.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Alcohol prep pads
• Prefilled 0.9% Sodium Chloride (saline) syringes
• Prefilled Heparin lock syringes (if ordered)
• Clean gloves (optional, if recommended)

Before You Start

• Remove all the jewelry from your fingers. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 30 seconds. Be sure to wash between your fingers and under your nails. Dry with a clean paper towel. 
• Gather all your supplies on a clean surface.
• Put the gloves on.
• Check the expiration date and condition of the syringe. Do not use it if discolored, leaked, or expired.

Step-by-Step: How to Flush Using the SASH Technique

1. SALINE Flush

• Clean the catheter injection cap with an alcohol prep pad for 15–30 seconds. Let it dry.
• Remove the saline syringe cap. Do not touch the tip.
• Pull back slightly on the plunger to break the seal.
• Attach the syringe to the catheter by twisting it on.
• Gently push 5-10mL of saline into your catheter using a start-stop (pulsing) motion.
• Do not force the flush. If you feel resistance, stop and call your nurse or pharmacy.

2. ADMINISTER Your Medication

• Follow your provider’s instructions for giving your medication through your IV line.

3. SALINE Flush (Again)

• After the medication, flush again with a new saline syringe the same way as in Step 1.

4. HEPARIN Lock (If ordered)

• Use the prefilled heparin syringe and flush 2-3mL Heparin gently.
• This helps prevent clotting in your IV line.

After Flushing

• Dispose of used syringes in a sharps container.
• Wash your hands again.
• Store the remaining supplies in a clean, dry area.

Safety Reminders

• Always use a new syringe for each flush.
• Clean the IV line cap with every use.
• Do not skip flushing unless instructed otherwise.
• Keep your hands and supplies clean during the process.
• Flush any unused IV lumens once daily.