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Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) Infusion Checklist

pdfASCIA PCC SCIg infusion checklist 2021118.11 KB

PREPARING FOR INFUSION 

  • Remove SCIg product from the refrigerator an hour before you start the infusion and allow it to come to room temperature. This may reduce the discomfort caused from infusing a cold solution. Check SCIg product amount, expiry date and quality (no discolouration or particles)
  • If needed, a few minutes before infusion apply a cold pack (wrapped in cloth) to the infusion site; or 1 hour before infusion apply a 5 cent size “blob” of numbing (anaesthetic) cream to the infusion site to numb the skin and apply an adhesive dressing. 
  • Remember to use the same injection site each time.  This will help to reduce swelling, redness and irritation at the infusion site over time.  
  • Clear the work surface and wipe down with a cleaning agent
  • Collect all the equipment from the equipment checklist and place on the clean work surfac
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry with a clean towel.
  • Remove caps from bottle(s), clean with alcohol wipe and allow to air dry.

NEEDLE PLACEMENT 

  • Ensure the needle is not placed into a blood vessel.
  • In some cases you may be instructed by your nurse specialist to gently pull back on the syringe plunger to see if any red or pink fluid draws into the tubing from the injection site.
  • If blood flows back into the tubing:
    - Remove the needle from the abdomen and discard the infusion set by unscrewing it from the syringe and placing it into the sharps container.
    - Keep the syringe containing the SCIg, attach a new infusion set and prime the tubing and needle.
    - Insert the new needle into the infusion site (choose a different site).

MONITORING THE INFUSION

  • During the infusion regularly check the infusion site to ensure the needle remains in plac It is important to check for reactions and treat any unusual reactions early (see general information).
  • A warm or cool pack can be used at the infusion site to assist with any discomfort during the infusio

COMPLETION OF INFUSION

  • Ensure the infusion details are recorded in the infusion diary (the peel off labels on the SCIg vial can be used to record the batch number in the diary).
  • Remove tape and/or adhesive dressing, needles, cut lines from needles and discard needles, giving sets, syringes and SCIg vials into yellow sharps bin. Needles should never leave used needles lying about.
  • If using a battery powered pump, remove the battery from the pump (leaving the battery in the pump can shorten the life of the battery).
  • Clear away equipment, store in a safe place and wash hands.

© ASCIA 2021

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. 

Information contained in this document is not intended to replace medical advice. Any questions regarding medical treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

Content updated July 2021