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Updated: May 4, 2026
Microdialysis of Ethanol During Operant Ethanol Self-administration and Ethanol Determination by Gas Chromatography
Published on: September 5, 2012
Ethanol causes protein precipitation--new safety issues for catheter locking techniques
Gernot Schilcher1, Axel Schlagenhauf2, Daniel Schneditz3
1Clinical Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Ethanol lock solutions in central venous catheters can cause plasma protein precipitation above 28% concentration, potentially leading to catheter occlusion. This study suggests limiting ethanol concentration to prevent such complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Access Devices
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Ethanol lock technique is used for central venous catheter (CVC) related infections.
- Ethanol seepage and blood influx can occur, exposing plasma proteins to concentrated ethanol.
- Protein precipitation by ethanol is a known phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate ethanol-induced plasma protein precipitation in CVCs.
- Determine the link between ethanol locks and catheter occlusions.
- Assess the risk of precipitated particles entering circulation.
Main Methods:
- In-vitro exposure of plasma to varying ethanol concentrations (7-70 v/v%) and heparin solutions.
- Catheter studies mimicking in-vivo conditions with ethanol lock instillation.
- Standardized analysis of protein precipitation in samples and catheter material.
Main Results:
- Protein precipitation observed with ethanol concentrations >28%.
- Precipitation occurred in vertically positioned catheters simulating specific body positions.
- Precipitates were irreversible and not dissolved by plasma, urokinase, or alteplase.
- Heparin lock solutions did not cause precipitation.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol locks can cause plasma protein precipitation in CVCs, potentially leading to device occlusion.
- Risks include systemic embolism of precipitated protein particles.
- Recommend limiting ethanol concentration in catheter lock solutions to 28% v/v.
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