A chemoport, or implanted vascular access port, plays an essential role in delivering treatments such as chemotherapy, IV medications, or blood products. To keep the port functioning properly and reduce the risk of complications, regular flushing is necessary. This article outlines key flushing practices to help patients and caregivers understand what to expect and how to support safe port care.

Why Is Flushing Important?

Flushing your chemoport helps to:

• Maintain the function of the catheter
• Prevent blockages or clots
• Confirm proper port function
• Reduce the risk of infection

When Is Flushing Performed?

Immediately After Port Access:
The port is flushed after inserting the special needle (Huber needle) to confirm it is working properly. Blood return is checked to ensure the port is positioned correctly.

After Each Infusion:
Following medication or fluid administration, the port must be flushed again to remove any remaining substances from the catheter.

If Not in Use:

• When the port is not being used regularly, routine maintenance flushing is required. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
• Every 4 to 8 weeks using 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) alone
• Or a combination of saline and heparin depending on the type of port and institutional protocol

Step-by-Step Overview of Flushing Procedure
Note: This process is always performed by a trained medical professional using aseptic technique.

1. Preparation and Assessment
The nurse will begin by assessing your port site for any signs of:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Unusual drainage
• Skin changes or signs of a potential blood clot

If any concerns are identified, the port will not be accessed until further evaluation is done.

2. Skin Antisepsis

• The skin over the port is cleaned with a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic solution.
• The area must be allowed to fully air-dry before needle insertion to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Accessing the Port

• A sterile, noncoring needle is used to access the port.
• The needle is secured with a transparent semipermeable dressing (TSM).
• The port will be checked for blood return to confirm it is functional.

4. Flushing

• Once blood return is confirmed, the port is flushed with at least 10 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride using a syringe (usually 10 mL syringe or larger).
• If heparin is needed, it is flushed after the saline, according to hospital protocol.
• This ensures the catheter remains open and prevents clots.

5. After Flushing

• If the port will remain accessed (for continuous treatment), the dressing stays in place and is changed every 7 days.
• If the port is not needed further, the needle is carefully removed, and the site is cleaned and dressed as needed.

Patient and Caregiver Tips

1. Ask questions before and after the procedure if you're unsure about any steps.
2. Do not attempt flushing at home unless your care team has provided specific training and instructions.
3. Monitor your port site for any signs of infection, swelling, or pain—report these immediately.
4. If you’re receiving home care, check that all supplies are sterile and that your caregiver follows proper hand hygiene and technique.
5. Before swimming or bathing, always ask your healthcare team if it's safe based on your port status and dressing type.

Conclusion

Regular and proper flushing is critical to ensure your chemoport stays safe and functional throughout your treatment.

Always follow your healthcare team’s advice and never hesitate to ask for more information or education about your port care.