Infusion Sets

Infusion sets are used with insulin pumps

Infusion sets are the parts of an insulin pump that go on to, and into, the body. Infusion sets are used in insulin therapy.

Usually there is an insuln pump, tubing that leads from the pump and carrying the insulin, with the infusion set on the other end and being place on the body.

On the outside of the body is the adhesive mount - usually a circular strip that goes around the site of the set and holds it onto the skin. Within this is the canula - the bit that goes into the body.

They are only a few mms long, between 6mm-9mm. These are most often made of a soft, flexible Teflon material, although some are made of metal.

Most infusion sets tend to have a specific orientation - when inserted the tubing comes out of the set in a certain direction.

Some infusion sets may restrict movement

This can mean that your choice of clothing might be a little more restrictive than if you have 360-degree-rotation.

As an infusion set tends to stay in place for three days, this can be a consideration.

Infusion sets are put in using an inserter - in some cases the inserter is an ‘all in one’ device.

The infusion set is contained within. In other cases, you will need an inserter as well as an infusion set.

Using an inserter

The one inserter is used each time to put in the new insertion set. Some can be put in manually.

Infusion sets come with your insulin pump

In many cases you can only use the infusion sets that come with your pump, of which there may be some variation in style (how long the tubing is, how long the canula is).

That means that if you use a certain pump from some manufacturers you can only use equipment from that manufacturer. However, some infusion sets use a standard Luer lock, which is to say that they can go on any pump that will link to a Luer lock, which gives you more choice.

The vast majority of people will find an infusion set that suits them from the choice presented by their healthcare team or pump supplier. In some cases (allergies to some of the materials used, or special sets for infants) might mean needing to source another type of set to suit a specific need.

What infusion sets are available?

Many infusion sets come made for specific insulin pumps. The following are the most common in the UK.

Roche Accu-Chek infusion sets

Roche Accu-Chek infusion sets are for use with the Combo meter and Spirit pump. These include the Rapid-D, the Tenderlink and the Flexlink. Each is  compatible with Luer-lock pumps. The Rapid-D is one of the flattest possible infusion sets when on the body at only 2.7mm.

The disconnect point (for taking off the tube, but not taking out the set) is such that it disconnects away from the set, allowing for the set to be placed in a less accessible site (and you don’t have to access the site to disconnect). The Tenderlink is best for those with a thin layer of fat under their skin, or for pregnant women.

Medtronic MiniMed infusion sets

Medtronic MiniMed infusion sets go with the Veo and Paradigm pumps. As one of the original suppliers in the pump sector, the Medtronic range of insulin sets is comprehensive. There is the Quick-Set, the Silhouette, the Polyfin, the Easy-Set and Soft-Set. The Polyfin has hypoallergenic tape so it is suitable for people with skin allergies. The Easy-Set is useful for children – it has two points that adhere to the skin, so accidental pulling-out of the set is minimised.

Lifescan Animas infusion sets

Lifescan Animas infusion sets go with the Animas pump.

These are the Inset range the Inset 30 and Inset II both come in 3 colours (pink, blue and grey – they can match your pump) and have a unique all-in-one inserter.

They allow for being inserted by using just one hand and once done the inserter can be discarded.

Orbit infusion sets from ICU Medical Europe

Orbit infusion sets from ICU Medical Europe have a low-profile dome shape (less snagging), blue tubing (makes air bubbles easier to see) and uses the standard universal Luer lock.

Adhesive tape does not leave sticky tape residue on the skin. Available are the Orbit90 and the Orbit Micro, both of which rotate 360-degrees and require low dexterity to connect (aiding choice of sites as well as over all usability). 

The Cleo 90, Superline ST and Soft-Release O from Advanced Theraputics

The Cleo 90, Superline ST and Soft-Release O from Advanced Theraputics and are for use with the Dana Diabecare R pump. The Cleo (manufactured by Smiths Medical) is compatible with Luer-lock pumps, is easy to insert and the design of the insertion set is such that there is no possible injuries from sharps.