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For our Patients that have transitioned or are transitioning to home infusion, this video will help assist with remembering the steps of your infusion if you are on using an elastomeric pump. This video can also be found under our Customer Resources tab on our website. Here is the link-
This instructional video will assist with the administration of your elastomeric pump home infusion.
Always remember to keep your PICC line dry and intact and if it starts coming loose, to let your home health nurse know so they can change the dressing.
This procedure can be easily remembered using the acronym, SASH.
Flush your IV with (S)aline (A)dminister Medication Flush with (S)aline Flush with (H)eparin
First you will remove your medication from the refrigerator approximately one hour prior to the time it should be administered. You never want to speed the warming process by heating the medication. Make sure you have a clean work area and clean your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water and then dry your hands with a clean towel.
The next step is to gather your supplies and medication and prepare for the infusion. Make sure you have the following supplies ready: your brochure picture guide, medication ball, flush syringes for saline and heparin, the orange swab cap, alcohol wipes, and trash container.
Then you will inspect the medication ball. Make sure you check that the label lists the correct information. The medication ball should be free of cracks or leaks AND SHOULD NOT BE DISCOLORED and call the pharmacy if there are problems with the medication ball or incorrect label information.
The next step is to prepare your flush syringes. Prior to using your syringe, push firmly on the thumb press with the tip cap still on just until you feel the plunger move then expel air and a few drops of excess solution by twisting off the tip cap and pushing the plunger forward. Then replace the syringe cap and be careful not to touch the tip of the syringe with your hand. If you do touch it, you will need to start over with a clean syringe. Repeat these steps for all flush syringes.
The next step is to flush your IV line with saline. Remove the orange swab cap from the end of your PICC line. Scrub the needless connector on your IV catheter with an alcohol wipe for at least 15 seconds and allow to air dry for an additional 15 seconds and refrain from blowing on it Then you will want to remove the protective cap from the saline flush syringe. Attach the saline flush syringe to the needleless connector on your IV catheter using a push and clockwise twisting motion until it IS secured together. Then open the clamp on your IV catheter and/or extension if one is present. Flush your IV catheter using a push/pause method. Then remove and discard the saline flush syringe while holding the very end of your IV catheter. Dispose of the saline flush in a trash container. If resistance is met when trying to flush, verify your clamp is open. If resistance is still met, call your home health nurse.
The next step is to administer your medication. Start by scrubbing the needless connector on your IV catheter with an alcohol wipe for at least 15 seconds and then allow it to air dry FOR 15 SECONDS. Then remove the protective cap from the medication tubing. Then you will attach the medication tubing firmly to the needless connector on your IV catheter using a push and clockwise twisting motion until secured together. Next, open the clamp on the medication tubing and check the medication label to see how long the medication will run. When the medication ball is completely deflated, close the clamp on the medication tubing and discard the medication ball. If after 30 minutes you see no deflating of the device, please recheck to ensure all clamps are open and if this is not successful then please contact your nurse.
The following steps are flushing your IV line with saline and heparin. Start by scrubbing the needless connector on your IV catheter with an alcohol wipe for at least 15 seconds and allow to air dry. Then you will want to remove the protective cap from the saline flush syringe. Attach the saline flush syringe to the needleless connector on your IV catheter using a push and clockwise twisting motion until its secured together. Then open the clamp on your IV catheter and/or extension if indicated. Then flush your IV catheter using a push/pause method. Then remove and discard the saline flush syringe in a trash container. If resistance is met when trying to flush, verify your clamp is open. If resistance is still met, call your home health nurse. Repeat the same process with heparin.
Finally, Call Landmark Infusion at 866.388.3883 if you have any questions or problems or if there is redness, swelling, or tenderness at your IV site. Remember, our pharmacists are here for you 24/7.