Infusion Site Management Guide
Infusion Set Selection
Universal vs. proprietary sets
Most infusion sets on the market
are universal; they use a luer lock connection that can be used on any pump
with a standard luer lock fitting.
Medtronic MiniMed's
Needle vs. Cannula
Steel needle infusion sets can be used for
people who have an allergy to soft cannulas, who have had problems in the past
with soft cannula sets becoming kinked or dislodged, or who have high muscle
mass and low body fat; this type of infusion set should be changed every 24-48
hours.
Soft cannula infusion sets are more popular than steel needle infusion sets, are generally considered more comfortable and cause less trauma to the tissue; the set is inserted with a steel introducer needle that is removed after insertion is complete; this infusion set should be changed every 48-72 hours.
90° versus angled
(1) 90° infusion sets are inserted straight
into the skin at a 90° angle and have a shorter insertion needle; therefore,
this type of set is good for quick insertion and for people who have needle
phobia.
(2) Angled infusion sets are inserted at an angle of 30-45° to the skin and have a longer insertion needle; therefore, this type of set is good for slow insertion and provides a greater variety of infusion depths to accommodate differences in amounts of subcutaneous tissue.
(3) Regardless of the type of infusion set or whether the person inserts quickly or slowly, the set should be inserted in one smooth motion.
Printable
Infusion Site Management Guide (Acrobat Reader Required)
