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Infusion Site Management » Disconnecting & Reconnecting

Infusion Site Management Guide


Disconnecting & Reconnecting

Disconnecting

  • Reasons to disconnect from the pump (The Four S's).
    • Sports
    • Swimming/showering
    • Sexual activity
    • Scanning (CAT Scan, MRI...)
  • Preventing gravity infusion.
    • The pump user should never disconnect the tubing from the pump while still connected to the body.
  • Pump on or off.
    • Generally it is better to leave the pump "on" or in "run" when disconnecting briefly in order to prevent occlusions and to avoid having to remember to restart the pump; only a very small amount of insulin is lost during the disconnect time.
  • Silence the stop alarm.
    • If the pump is kept in STOP, the alarm can be silenced according to the instructions in the user manual.
  • Needle covers and protectors.
    • Covers and protectors provided with the infusion set packaging should be utilized.
    • Covers and protectors should be kept sterile by storing them in a clean container (e.g. contact lenses case, empty test strip vial, or a film case)

Reconnecting

  • Prevent backflow of insulin. While still disconnected, the pump user should prime 1-2 units and visually confirm flow of insulin or confirm by dripping on back of hand.
  • The pump user should ensure a secure connection. Some infusion sets have an audible click to guarantee a secure connection.

Time Off Pump/Missed Basal

  • Usually no adjustment is necessary for being off of the pump for less than an hour.
  • Adjustments may have to be made for longer periods.
  • There may be times when replacing missed insulin is unnecessary due to the activity level while the pump is off (i.e. physical activity).
  • The pump user should always check blood glucose before disconnecting and every hour while disconnected to determine the appropriate action.
  • Before going into a Jacuzzi, sauna, or tanning bed, the pump user should disconnect from the pump. However, the increased temperature exposure from these activities may cause hypoglycemia from increased insulin absorption or hyperglycemia from denatured or "bad" insulin.

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