Citrelock

Citrelock is a catheter lock solution primarily composed of trisodium citrate, designed to maintain the patency of central venous catheters (CVCs) and reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). It is frequently employed in hemodialysis settings as an alternative to heparin. The solution works through two primary mechanisms: it chelates ionized calcium, which is a critical cofactor in the blood coagulation cascade, thereby preventing thrombus formation within the catheter lumen; and it creates an environment that is inhospitable to microbial growth, disrupting bacterial biofilms and reducing colonization. Developed by Medcomp, Citrelock is provided in various concentrations to balance efficacy in anticoagulation with safety profiles regarding accidental systemic bolus, helping to avoid complications such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Brand names

Citrelock

Other names

trisodium citrate catheter lock solution