- sterile dressing pack
- one pair of sterile gloves
- plastic apron
- disposal bag and appropriate sharps bin
- antiseptic hand hygiene product
- chlorhexidine gluconate BP 2% & isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe
- 20mls of 0.9% sodium chloride (2x 10 ml) or 2 x 10ml PosiFlush XS may be used – ensure the packaging stipulates XS as only these syringes are externally sterile
- 5ml heparinised 0.9% sodium chloride (100iu/ml).
- 10ml luer-lok syringes
- blunt needles
- port protector (only if the port needle is being kept in place)
Procedure for disconnecting an infusion from a port
When disconnecting an infusion pump a strict aseptic technique must be followed. A trolley should be set up similarly to doing the care and maintenance of a port with the required equipment.
Please note: if your hands are not socially clean and you need to wash your hands with soap and water (rather than alcohol gel), this must be carried out a minimum of 2 meters away from the working surface/dressing trolley and any CVAD equipment.
- Clean working surface/dressing trolley with detergent wipe and allow to fully dry for at least 30 seconds. Clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene Put on a plastic apron.
- Open dressing pack onto clean area and open the necessary equipment onto the dressing pack aseptically.
- Wipe away surface anaesthesia at needle insertion site prior to the procedure and dispose (if applicable)
- Clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene and apply sterile gloves.
- Using aseptic technique draw up 20ml 0.9% sodium chloride for flushing into 2 10ml LuerLok syringes or use two 10ml PosiFlush XS 0.9% sodium chloride syringes – ensure the packaging stipulates XS as only these syringes are externally sterile. Draw up heparin as per instructions in table 1 (see procedure for accessing and flushing a port)
- Remove the infusion from the port. Clean the end of the lumen thoroughly with chlorhexidine gluconate BP 2% & isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe for 30 seconds and allow to dry completely for 30 seconds.
- Attach the 2 x10ml syringe containing the sterile 0.9% sodium chloride for flushing to the port. Open the clamp. Flush the port with 2 x10mls of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride using a push/pause technique until the last 1ml and close the clamp on the last push.
- Attach the 10ml syringe containing the sterile heparinised 0.9% sodium chloride for locking the port. Open the clamp. Flush the port using a push/pause technique until the last 1ml and close the clamp as the remaining liquid is pushed in.
- Apply a curos port protector onto the end of the port needle if it is being kept in place or remove the port needle.
- Dispose of all waste appropriately as per waste management guidelines:
- Remove PPE and clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene.
- Document procedure including any problems, action taken and review date in the care bundle -DRS 6104 (appendix 5) and appropriate notes.
If further advice is required please contact:
Ayr Hospital 01292 610555 Oncology Ward Station 15, ext 14336
Crosshouse Hospital 01563 521133 Oncology Ward 3A/3C, ext 27938/27917