How long before treatment is heparin administered?

Heparin is typically administered shortly before the initiation of treatment to ensure effective anticoagulation during procedures such as hemodialysis. Administering heparin within a timeframe of 3 to 5 minutes allows it to circulate in the bloodstream and achieve adequate anticoagulation levels by the time treatment begins. This timing helps prevent clot formation in the extracorporeal circuit, ensuring smooth operation and effective blood flow during the procedure.

A timeframe shorter than 3 minutes may not allow sufficient time for heparin to act, while a longer window of 5 to 10 minutes might delay the start of treatment unnecessarily. Therefore, administering heparin 3 to 5 minutes before the start of the treatment strikes a balance between effectiveness and efficiency.