Infusion Sets

DESCRIPTION

An infusion set is used in conjunction with an insulin pump to administer insulin to people suffering from both kinds of diabetes. Infusion sets connect the pump with to the user via a tube ending in a needle, which guides the insulin inside the user’s bloodstream to help regulate their diabetes. Infusion sets usually come with a subcutaneous cannula, an adhesive mount, a quick disconnect and a pump cartridge connector.

HOW TO USE AN INFUSION SET

The first thing the user has to do is attach the infusion set to a supply of insulin and connect the end to the insulin pump. The pump will them push a quantity of insulin through the infusion set fairly quickly, to make sure no air is in the system. This step is referred to as “priming” and it is very important that the infusion set is not inserted into the skin during this stage as it is difficult to control the delivery of insulin at this point and it is easy to accidentally deliver too much insulin. Next, peel off the paper and insert the needle beneath the skin. Push the needle into the later of fat below the skin, taking the cannula with it. Carefully remove the needle, but leave the cannula under the skin. This process should happen fairly quickly so that the cannula does not get caught around the needle.