cysteine & ethanol 70% for CVC occlusions

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Thu, 07/23/2026 - 15:55
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Sara Mirzaei
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Joined: 08/11/2020 - 10:05
cysteine & ethanol 70% for CVC occlusions

We are working on updating our policy around CVC Occlusions and are hoping to learn from others about the following:

1. What volume of cysteine 50 mg/mL do you recommend instilling?

2. What volume of ethanol 70% do you recommend instilling?

3. If volume recommendations for either are based on the internal volume of the specific catheter, how do you handle scenarios where the catheter type is unknown or the catheter has been shortened to an unknown length at insertion?

4. Do you allow repeat administration of cysteine 50 mg/mL or ethanol 70%?

5. Are you aware of any adverse events from the use of cysteine or ethanol for catheter occlusions?

6. Would you be willing to share your policy?

Thank you in advance for your help with this!
Sara Mirzaei
Children's Hospital Colorado

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