Question:
I was told that I would have a Heparin Lock used while I am in the hospital

Does anyone know what this is, and where the usually put it? Is it the same thing as a central line?? Gosh, I hope not. thank you    — MS. A. (posted on April 13, 2000)

April 13, 2000
Ok, I'm not a medical person, so this might not be totally accurate, but here is what I believe a heparin lock is. It's like an IV in your hand or arm same as a regular IV, except there isn't anything going into it. They start this up for easy access to your vein if they need it, and the heparin keeps the blood from clotting and closing off the opening. If you do need an IV, or an injection of an intra-venous drug, they can easily hook the tubing up to this heparin lock or inject the drug into it. I wouldn't worry about it, it shouldn't be any worse than a regular IV, and it could be better since you wouldn't have IV tubes trailing around with you all the time.
   — Lynn K.

April 13, 2000
Excellent description, Lynn! Yup, that's it!
   — Jaye C.

April 13, 2000
hey--dont worry, a hep-lock is usually just an IV in the hand or arm. It is plugged off with a rubber cap. Medications can be administered through this cap. it is just like an IV with no hanging bag. Hope this helped.
   — Christie D.

April 13, 2000
Hi, A hep lock is the drug they use when an I.V. is started to keep the site from forming a clot and stopping the I.V. flow. It is not painfuil and is done where ever the I.V. is located usually in the back of your hand or possibly in the arm below the bend at the elbow but on the inside. Hope this helps. Cheri
   — Cheri H.

April 13, 2000
Just to add my two cents.... It is a capped IV and the reason it's called a HEP LOCK (heparin lock) is because we used the flush it with heparin (blood thinner) to keep it from clotting off. Most places now just flush it with saline because they found it keeps it from clotting just the same and without using the blood thinner. Sometimes they call it a Saline lock. Good luck.... you'll do great.
   — Cindi W.

April 13, 2000
Hey - just wanted you to know that I had hep locks with my babies and each year I have IV medication outpatient from the hospital. The hospital gives me meds there and then I go home with my hep lock for days at a time..... no problem!
   — Shar /.

April 14, 2000
Hi tina, A heparin lock (or heplock) is just like an IV but without the fluid going into it. It is a catheter (small plastic needle) into the vein with a short piece of tubing extending from it and taped to your skin. The hospital can use this for pain meds and antibiotics without giving you continuous fluids. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.