What do you flush catheters with to prevent blood clots?

To prevent blood clots in catheters, a saline solution is commonly used for flushing. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is typically preferred because it is isotonic and helps maintain catheter patency without causing irritation. In some cases, heparinized saline may be used for long-term catheters to provide additional anticoagulation. Always follow specific medical protocols or guidelines when flushing catheters.