Sterilize Your Site

Today’s pumps have a variety of ways in which they attach an infusion set or a patch pump itself to the skin to deliver insulin. The skin is prepared in a similar way for any of these variations. To prevent infections and the need for antibiotics or surgical drainage or hospitalization, always use sterile technique when setting up a skin site:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do not touch the reservoir needle, the open end of the reservoir, end of the infusion set, or top of the insulin bottle.
  2. For close viewing, hold your reservoir or infusion set at eye level above your nose. Many germs reside in the nose and breath, so do not breathe or blow directly on the pump, the reservoir, the infusion set or the infusion site.
  3. An alcohol pad is adequate to cleanse the skin for many, but it is not strong enough if you carry staph. For staph carriers or if you are not sure, scrub the skin at the new infusion site with an antiseptic product. IV Prep or Betadine™ pads are convenient, or you can use bottled products such as Betadine™ Solution (iodine) or Hibiclens™ (chlorhexidine). Start at the center of the area and rotate the pad or swab in a circular fashion away from the center and do not go back. A cleansed area about three inches in diameter is needed. For staph carriers, as well as for extra safety or for those who are allergic to set adhesives, place a bio-occlusive adhesive dressing like IV 3000™ or J&J Bioclusive Transparent Dressing™ over the site as soon as it dries. Unlike a standard adhesive, a bio-occlusive adhesive can seal sterilized skin to prevent bacteria from gaining access to the infusion site. The set or pump is then inserted through the bio-occlusive dressing.

Pump Preparation Links:

Infusion Sites | Sterilize Your Site | Insulin & Dressings | Infusion Set and Reservoir Prep | Insert the Infusion Set