Infusion Set Instructions

Insulin pumps deliver a slow, constant supply of fast-acting insulin via a tube and needle configuration called an infusion set. Diabetics on insulin pump therapy must replace this infusion set at least once or twice a week. Most insulin pump manufacturers also make the infusion sets that work with their pumps, and they all look slightly different. However, attaching, priming and inserting an infusion set follows much the same procedure no matter whose pump you're using.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Insulin pump
• Pump reservoir loaded with insulin
• Infusion set
• Alcohol swab
• Needle injector (optional)
• Small securement dressing (e.g. Tegaderm), optional

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap and water.

• 2

  Swab the area spot on your body where you will insert the needle (usually in the lower belly area) with an alcohol prep pad.

• 3

  Remove the needle cap from the reservoir and screw the threaded cap on one end of the infusion set onto the open end of the reservoir.

• 4

  Put the pump in priming mode, and prime the infusion set until a drop or two of insulin appears at the tip of the needle on the infusion set. Make sure no air is remaining in the infusion set tubing.

• 5

  Remove the backing from the adhesive patch around the infusion set needle.

• 6

  Remove the protective cap from the infusion set needle.

• 7

  Insert the needle straight into your body, holding the skin at the infusion site taut with two fingers of your free hand as you do so. You can manually insert the needle or use a spring-loaded needle injector.

• 8

  Rub around the adhesive patch to make sure it secures firmly to your skin.

• 9

  Apply a securement dressing over the infusion site, if you wish.