Help! We've run out of Heparin

Dear All:

It is with panic I ask you all about heparin! We have had the Organon brand on backorder for a while, so we switched to the Leo brand.

Now the Leo brand of the 10,000u/mL is being given to us in Vials, and I've just been told that the Vials are almost gone and the Ampoules are to be supplied. What a drag! Our RN's use approx 30,000u to cap our lines (equals either 3 vials or 3 ampoules PER patient) and I am beginning to hear the low roar of protest.

Am I the only one out there trying to cope with this? Are we totally backwards to be using this much heparin? Can we cap with the 1000u/mL?

My only other recourse is the premixed bags at 50u/mL - not a very useful alternative.

Is Sodium Citrate being used more elsewhere? (We use NONE)

Please help me out! Also, a phone call to me at (905) 780-4278 would be appreciated if you can!

Brenda

York Central Hospital.