Insulin Pumps

Pump Prep

Sterile Technique Insulin & Dressings Infusion Sets Infusion Site Site Sterilization
Prevent Infections Infusion Set Prep Insertion Safety Loop

Sterilize Your Site

For sites, most pumpers prefer the abdomen, but anywhere that has padding will do. Normal skin contains bacteria, so it's best to use a sterile prep on the new site prior to inserting the infusion set to reduce the chance for an infection. Bacteria move on the skin, so a wide swath is smart. Scrub the infusion site on the skin with an antiseptic solution. Cleanse a site two inches in diameter on the skin.

Whenever close viewing is needed, hold your reservoir or infusion set at eye level above your nose. Many germs reside in the nose and the breath coming out of the nose. Don’t breathe or blow directly on the pump, the reservoir, the infusion set or the infusion site, as this may lead to a site infection. If you have had a history of minor skin infections in the past, you may want to obtain a surgical mask to wear over your nose and mouth during setup to decrease the risk for infections.

The person above is using betadine, which is a great bug killer and also shows up well for the camera. Other less-colorful preparations are IV Prep and Hibiclens which, like betadine, reduce bacteria counts nicely (70% alcohol, unfortunately, does not).

Other Helpful Info

• Read Pumping Insulin for easy steps on how to succeed with your insulin pump.
• Compare Current Pumps - Compare the facts on the most used pumps on today's market.
• Differences in calculating BOB - Different insulin pumps will recommend very different bolus amounts. Find out why these differences are important and when they will occur by viewing our BOB slideshow
• Infusion Set Review - List ofinfusion sets available to the public and their compatibility with the various pumps.
• New Advanced Pumping Slide Show - Presentation covering the function of a pump, the proper use, rules for control and much more.
• Pump Help - Covers of common pump-related problems and solutions.
• Pump Life - Testimonial from a veteran pumper.
• Pumps and Children - Children with pumps information
• Pump Accessories for Children and Adults - Packs and other fun pump accessories

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