Background: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is commonly used to clear obstructions in central venous catheters (CVC). Methods: To determine if HCl adversely affects the integrity of a CVC we infused 0.1 N HCl daily into CVC in vitro. At weekly intervals sections of the CVC were removed and examined using scanning electron microscopy. Results: Over 8 weeks, no damage to the CVC was visible. Conclusions: HCl administration poses no threat to the structural integrity of a CVC. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition19:407-409, 1995)
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