Ambulatory Infusion Pump (CADD-Solis)
What is an Ambulatory Infusion Pump?
An ambulatory infusion pump is a small, battery powered pump that gives you medication slowly over time. Common medications used with the pump are chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibiotics, and fluid.
The pump is attached to a reservoir (also called a cassette) or an infusion bag that contains medication or fluid. The medication or fluid tubing is attached to your IV. The entire set-up will then be placed in a small bag you will be able to carry around or wear while the medication or fluid is infusing.
You will receive:
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Extra set of batteries, in the event the batteries need to be replaced in the infusion pump.
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Home spill kit will be provided to you as a precaution in the event hazardous drug spills.
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Alcohol pad, in the event the Equashield Luer Lock Adaptor and Female Connector become disconnected from each other.
Common Ambulatory Infusion Pump Sounds
If an infusion is running continuously, you will hear a whirring sound, every once in a while, as the medication infuses.
Some medication infusions are programmed to start later in the day, and you will not hear a whirring sound until the infusion starts.
It is common to hear a beeping sound when the infusion is almost complete, and a green and amber light that will flash at the same time. This does not mean the infusion is completed, but it is getting close. You should present to clinic at your scheduled appointment.
Common Ambulatory Infusion Pump Lights
A green light flashes when the ambulatory infusion pump is working and delivering medication.
Green and amber lights flash at the same time when the pump is running, but may need to be looked at soon:
An amber light flashes when:
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Pump has stopped
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There is an alarm
Activities of Daily Life
Bathing: Ensure your central line dressing is covered with a waterproof covering such as plastic wrap (i.e. Press’N Seal). Water can cause damage to the ambulatory infusion pump, so make sure it does not get wet. Place the ambulatory pump on a stool or chair near you, outside of the shower.
Sleeping: Keep the ambulatory infusion pump near you while you sleep. Avoid tangling the tubing or lying directly on the tubing or pump. If tubing gets kinked, the pump will not infuse and alarm.
Small Children and Pets: The ambulatory infusion pump should not be dropped or hit. The tubing should not be pulled or damaged (punctured, bitten, twisted, etc.). Ensure the ambulatory infusion pump is kept out of reach of small children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What if my pump alarms while at home?
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A.Pause the pump! Pleasecall the infusion clinic during business hours. If it is outside of clinic business hours, please call InfuSystem (1-800-315-3287) for further instructions. You may be prompted to return to the clinic if during business hours. If outside of business hours, InfuSystem may instruct you to call the on-call provider for further instruction. If this is advised, please contact the on-call provider immediately after for next steps. Some medications (i.e. blinatumomab [Blincyto]) cannot be interrupted for long periods of time and may require you to present to the hospital if the clinic is not open to have the pump checked or replaced.
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Q. What if my pump tubing disconnects from my IV access or the pump?
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Q. What if the IV access (i.e., Port; PICC) becomes dislodged?
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| Q. What if my is unpump able to be restarted after ‘air-in-line detected’ alarm and an amber light is flashing? |
During clinic business hours: If you are receiving fluorouracil (5FU) and your infusion is set to finish within 3 hours, turn off the pump and present to the scheduled disconnect appointment. If your fluorouracil (5FU) infusion is not scheduled to finish within 3 hours or you are receiving a different medication, please call the infusion clinic immediately for further instructions.
Outside clinic business hours: Please call InfuSystem (1-800-315-3287). If InfuSystem is unable to assist you in restarting the pump:
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If you are receiving fluorouracil (5FU) and your infusion is not scheduled to finish within 3 hours OR you are receiving a different medication, please call the on-call provider immediately for further guidance. Some medications (i.e. blinatumomab [Blincyto]) cannot be interrupted for long periods of time and may require you to present to the hospital if the clinic is not open to have the pump checked or replaced.
If you are unsure what medication you are receiving, the name of the medication can be found on the label attached to the plastic reservoir (refer to image on first page).
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Hazardous Medications
If the medication is considered hazardous, you might see a closed-system transfer device (CSTD) present. It is a special device designed to prevent hazardous drug from leaking and releasing vapors. This keeps the healthcare team safe when the pharmacy makes the drug and when nurses give you your drug. It also keeps you safe from any outside exposure.
Equashield has two pieces, the Luer Lock Adaptor and Female Connector, that connect where the tubing comes together. When the two pieces are connected, it forms an open pathway, allowing the drug to flow through safely. When the two pieces are disconnected, the system is closed, and the drug cannot leak. Another feature of Equashield is that it “swivels” or “twists” while on the tubing. This additional safety feature allows the tubing to move with you so there are no concerns it will twist off the tubing.
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Q. What if the two pieces become disconnected at home?
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A. Pause the pump! Pleasecall the infusion clinic during business hours. If it is outside of clinic business hours, please call InfuSystem (1-800-315-3287) for further instructions. Loosened connection points or leaking is a risk for hazardous drug exposure. You may be prompted to return to the clinic if during business hours. If outside of business hours, InfuSystem may instruct you to call the on-call provider for further instruction. If this is advised, please contact the on-call provider immediately after for next steps. Some medications (i.e. blinatumomab [Blincyto]) cannot be interrupted for long periods of time and may require you to present to the hospital if the clinic is not open to have the pump checked or replaced
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Q. What if the Luer Lock Adaptor and Female Connector become loosened or disconnected from the tubing (areas pictured on the following page by the yellow circles)?
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Q. What if I notice leaking from any connection point?
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If you are instructed to connect the Luer Lock Adaptor and Female Connector, use the alcohol pad to clean the tip of the Luer Lock Adaptor for 5 seconds, allow it to dry for 5 seconds, line up the two pieces red stripes to red stripes (‘red to red’) and engage the two pieces using a straight-push method (as pictured on the following page).
What should I do if I spill some hazardous drug?
If the drug spills:
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Open the spill kit
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Put on two pairs of gloves, the mask, gown, and goggles before touching anything.
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Move others away from the spill.
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Absorb the spill with the disposable sponge or towels.
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Put the sponges or towels directly in the bag provided.
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Clean the area with dishwashing soap or detergent and water.
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If the spill occurs on sheets or clothing, handle them with gloves and wash them separately from other laundry.
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Wash clothing or bed linen soiled with body fluids the same way.
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Remove the face shield, mask, gown, and then the gloves.
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Place them in the sealable plastic bag and close it.
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Place the first sealable plastic bag into a second sealable plastic bag and close it.
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Wash hands with soap and water.
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Call InfuSystem, or the clinic if open, to promptly to report the spill.
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They will replace the spilled drug needed to complete treatment.
Place all the items in a sealable plastic bag and return to the infusion center for disposal.
Laundry
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Wash your clothing or linens normally unless the drugs or body fluids, such as urine, feces, or vomit.
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Put on disposable gloves and handle the laundry carefully to avoid getting the drugs on your skin.
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Wash separately from other laundry.
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Wash twice with hot water and laundry soap.
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If you do not have a washer, place dirty items in a plastic bag until they can be washed.
Additional Resource