Infusion Site Management Guide

Infusion Set Insertion

WARNING: NEVER USE A PREVIOUSLY OPENED PACKAGE; A NEW STERILE INFUSION SET SHOULD ALWAYS BE USED.

Standing versus sitting
Inserting the set in a standing position ensures a more comfortable site placement. To achieve a clean, direct insertion, the skin must be "tight."

Depending on the pump user's skin type, this can be achieved by pinching or stretching the skin taut for the insertion. If the skin "dimples" on insertion, the person should stretch rather than pinch the skin. The set should be inserted in one smooth motion.

Bolus for airspace
A bolus is required after insertion of a soft cannula infusion set in order to fill the airspace created once the insertion needle is removed. The amount of the bolus is determined by the length of the cannula and the pump's ability to deliver that amount of insulin (see infusion set package insert for the recommended amount).

If possible, it is a good practice for pump users to insert a new infusion set just prior to a meal or other bolus to clear any tissue that may have lodged in the cannula or needle upon insertion.

Blood glucose level should be checked one to two hours after insertion of a new set to ensure proper infusion; therefore, changing the set at bedtime is not recommended unless an alarm is set to recheck glucose within 2 hours. This is especially important when using soft cannula sets, as they have the potential to kink upon insertion.

Many practitioners have new pump users initially wear metal needle infusion sets until they become used to inserting the sets and wearing the pump; the advantage is that the risk of the catheter kinking or bending is greatly minimized while the practitioner is attempting to regulate insulin doses with the new therapy.

 Printable Infusion Site Management Guide (Acrobat Reader Required)