IV Supplies

Your Checklist for Home Infusion Therapy

To say caring for an aging loved one is tough would be an understatement. Caregiving demands a lot, from understanding your loved one’s day-to-day needs to some complex medical treatments such as Home Infusion Therapy.

IV therapy is a safe method of taking medications or fluids that cannot be consumed orally. A nurse will guide you through the process of setting up your home infusion system. According to an article by PennMedicine.org, "home infusion is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care for many patients."

When to use it?

Infusion therapy is often used to administer -

• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Pain management
• Parenteral nutrition

Sme medical conditions may also require IV supplies, such as -

• Cancer
• Congestive heart failure
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Hormone deficiencies

Infusion therapy may sound or seem intimidating, but once you understand the process, it becomes a part of your daily routine. Conversely, keeping up with a regular stock of IV supplies is a more challenging task—unless you have read this article.

Home Infusion Therapy: A Checklist for Essential IV Supplies

Here is a checklist of the items you’ll need for a proper home infusion therapy -

1. IV Bag

Your healthcare provider will prescribe your medicine or fluid, which will come in a bag or bottle. Make sure you store it as directed on the package. Check the container for any leakage or break in the seal. Do not use it if this is the case.

2. IV Pole or hook

The bag or bottle will hang on a pole or hook on the wall. Hang the bag above the IV catheter level so that gravity can help the medicine or fluid flow into the tubing.

3. IV Tubing

The transparent plastic tubing plays a crucial role in delivering medication or fluids to your body. This narrow and flexible tube connects the bag or bottle containing the medicine to the catheter in the arm or chest. The clear tubing allows the caregiver to monitor the liquid's flow rate and ensure that the medication is being delivered correctly and efficiently. 

4. Infusion Pump

A pump, clamp, or dial-a-flow device is used to control how fast the medicine or fluid flows through the tubing. You can adjust the infusion clamp or flow device by hand, as you are shown. A pump is set for the correct flow rate. Only change the flow rate if and when your doctor or nurse instructs you to do so.

5. IV Needles and syringes

Needles and valves are required to insert the tubing into the catheter. Before and after treatment, you need to flush the catheter with a syringe full of saline solution.

6. Dressing and tape

The catheter needs to be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection. Tape is used to hold the dressing and the tubing in place. Make sure the catheter dressing is clean and dry.

7. Alcohol swabs

To prevent bloodstream infections, you need to clean your catheter opening with an antiseptic solution before using it to draw blood or administer medicines or fluids.

8. IV Sponge

These IV sponges absorb moisture and resist bacterial penetration, reducing infection risk around catheters, tubes, IVs, and tracheotomies.

9. Vascular Access Device

A vascular access device significantly reduces the potential for needlestick injuries while also providing a more comfortable experience for the patient. These devices allow medical professionals to establish repeated access to the patient's vein using a cannula and catheter, which can be used to deliver medicine, fluids, and blood.

10. Sharps container

After use, needles and syringes should be placed in a sharps container to prevent punctures and the spread of infection.

How is IV infusion administered at home?

During infusion therapy, fluids or medicines are administered intravenously. A flexible tube called an IV catheter is inserted into a vein, typically on your arm or chest, through which the fluids or medications flow. This is usually done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Some general guidelines are as follows -

1. Gather all the necessary supplies.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Double-check the medication and dosage with the prescription.
4. Place the person in a comfortable position.
5. Use an aseptic technique to insert the IV catheter into the right veins.
6. Connect the IV tubing to the catheter and then to the IV bag. Follow any specific instructions regarding the rate of infusion.
7. Regularly monitor the infusion site for signs of complications, such as redness, swelling, or pain. Keep an eye on the flow rate and adjust as needed.
8. Once the infusion is complete, carefully disconnect the IV tubing from the catheter.
9. Dispose of the supplies as per the healthcare guidelines.
10. Report any issues or concerns to the medical team.

When to seek medical help?

Always make sure to follow your doctor's guidelines. Consult with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs of complications.

Where can you buy quality supplies for home infusion therapy?

HPFY has been online since 2002. We carry a wide range of IV supplies including VAC, IV poles, and IV sponges, to name a few.

 

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