Locally, the current clinical practice is to use heparinised saline at a concentration of 10U/ml as a locking agent in between use of the PICC line to prevent occlusion. Citrate 4% has antithrombotic and antibacterial properties, which makes it potentially superior to heparin as a locking agent. Citrate chelates ionised calcium in blood, inhibiting calcium-dependent clotting pathways. Also, as a chelating agent, it results in inhibition of growth of micro-organisms. Citrate-based anticoagulation is often preferred over heparin because of its safety and rapid systemic clearance. Citrate also is safe for heparin induced thrombocytopenia patients.