Infusion Site Management Guide
Infusion Set Selection
Insertion devices
Some infusion sets have an insertion device
available to aid in the insertion of the set into the skin. Although insertion
devices are helpful for people who cannot insert the set independently, there
are other factors to consider:
- An insertion device may be an extra expense.
- Use of an insertion device can be more time consuming.
- Use of an insertion device decreases the user's control over the angle and depth of insertion.
- Dependence on an insertion device may cause difficulty if the device breaks, is lost, or cannot be used, especially in an emergency situation.
- Insertion device spring force is the same regardless of skin thickness.
Infusion set materials and allergy
- Steel needle sets have pure surgical stainless steel needles.
-
Soft cannula sets have a
Teflon® cannula, are Latex-free & do not use PVC. - Some people are allergic to the adhesive in the dressing or the glue used to manufacture the infusion sets; trial and error with different products is recommended in this case.
Recommended Areas & Absorption Differences
Because of the
differences in absorption of different areas, basal rate adjustments may need
to be made based upon blood glucose monitoring results.
Abdominal area: Best absorption area
Hips and buttocks: Slower absorption than abdominal area, but an excellent location for people who are very active or who have low body fat.
Outer thighs: Slower absorption than abdominal area, but absorption may accelerate with activity. Use of the interior thigh area can increase the risk of irritation and infection (i.e. cellulitis).
Back of the arms: Slower absorption than abdominal area, but absorption may accelerate with activity. This area is also more difficult to use if two hands are required for insertion.
Areas to Avoid
- Scar tissue
- Lipohypertrophy
- Surgical scars
- Liposuction
- Bruising
- High sensitivity
- High activity
- Over a bone
- Under the waistband of clothing
- Immediately surrounding the belly button
- Body piercing
- Tattoos
Printable
Infusion Site Management Guide (Acrobat Reader Required)
