About 50% of Chemo patient experiences 'saline' taste at the back of the throat during PICC/PORT line flush. Line flush is common practice to ensure IV line cleanliness and sterile. I personally find the taste 'nasty' and difficult to adjust to no matter how many flushes I had. I have heard chew gum or a mint candy can help avoid the saline taste. I have never tried these methods personally so I cannot confirm. However, I have found an easy & effective way to cancel out the saline taste by 'holding my breath'. Yes, just simply 'holding your breath' during PICC/PORT line flush can somehow bypass the saline taste at the back of your throat. Next time, try it, hold your breath before flushing starts and breathe when flushing is finished.