Abstract: Objective  This was a cross-sectional study to investigate the use of flushing solutions before locking solution for non-tunneled catheters after continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), in order to provide a reference for maintenance and care of the catheters.  Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Wenjuanxing online survey to investigate the 78 hospitals in Guangdong province in order to understand the type and dose of flushing solution and the type of syringe used for non-tunneled catheters after CRRT.  Results A total of 91 questionnaires were collected, and 78 were effective after excluding 13 questionnaires from the same hospitals, with an effective rate of 85.7%. The average age of the nurses conducting CRRT was 33.78±5.97 years, with 19.2% of males and 56.4% having the senior professional titles. Normal saline was the most commonly used solution (97.5%) for flushing after CRRT, while sterilized water for injection was used in two hospitals. The volume of normal saline used for flushing was variable in the hospitals: 5ml in 12 hospitals (14.5%), 10ml in 47 hospitals (56.6%), 15ml in 5 hospitals (6.0%), and 20ml in 19 hospitals (22.9%). The volume of syringe used for flushing was 5ml in one hospital (1.2%), 10ml in 29 hospitals (35.4%), 20ml in 45 hospitals (54.9%), and 30ml in 7 hospitals (8.5%).  Conclusion Normal saline is the main flushing solution for non-tunneled catheters after CRRT, but the volume of normal saline and the type of syringe for the injection are variable in these hospitals.

Key words: Continuous renal replacement therapy, Hemodialysis, Central venous catheter, Flushing solution