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Background. Although most catheter problems in haemodialysis are related to infection or clotting, bleeding associated with the heparin lock is of clinical importance especially during peri-operative conditions. The objective of this in vitro study is to estimate the volume of heparin that may leak into the circulation immediately after performing a catheter lock.

Methods. Different volumes (ml) of a dextrose solution were used to perform a catheter lock on haemodialysis catheters. The tip of the catheter was placed in a test tube containing water for a pre-specified period. The final concentrations of dextrose in the test tube were used to determine the volume of solution that leaked from the catheter.

Results. When the total lumen volume was filled, the catheter leak was estimated to be 0.59±0.03 and 0.71±0.04 ml after 15 and 25 s, respectively. There was a continuous leak of 1.23±0.41, 2 …