Set site cleaning and showering

[LittleSue]

Started pumping saline yesterday. The nurse didn't mention cleaning the 'target area' before inserting the set, though everything I've read suggests cleaning with an alcohol wipe first.

What do they mean by an alcohol wipe anyway - do you get them on prescription, buy them from the chemist (the ones from the 'first aid' shelf, for cleaning wounds), or are Wet Ones suitable?

Way back when we used to clean skin before injections, I got a rash with regular use of the little (Sterets?) squares, but was fine with surgical spirit and cotton wool. Want to avoid blaming the sets or adhesives for irritating my skin and the hassle of trying lots of different sets, if its really the alcohol wipe. Presumably surgical spirit would be suitable but is it still available?

Have some other questions too, will post them separately.

Thanks in advance.

 

[iHs]

Started pumping saline yesterday. The nurse didn't mention cleaning the 'target area' before inserting the set, though everything I've read suggests cleaning with an alcohol wipe first.

What do they mean by an alcohol wipe anyway - do you get them on prescription, buy them from the chemist (the ones from the 'first aid' shelf, for cleaning wounds), or are Wet Ones suitable?

Way back when we used to clean skin before injections, I got a rash with regular use of the little (Sterets?) squares, but was fine with surgical spirit and cotton wool. Want to avoid blaming the sets or adhesives for irritating my skin and the hassle of trying lots of different sets, if its really the alcohol wipe. Presumably surgical spirit would be suitable but is it still available?

Have some other questions too, will post them separately.

Thanks in advance.

Lots of dsns and pump reps tell you not to bother with alcohol wipes because they tend to dry the skin but if you use moisture creams , then it's important to cleanse the area first just to make sure that the infusion set will stick especially if you use baby oil to remove the adhesive instead of a medical adhesive remover spray.

Buying alcohol wipes (Sterets) in the chemist tends to be a bit expensive but eBay sell alcohol wipes for no more than two pnds for a box of 100. You can also use surgical spirit if you want (I think you can still buy it). You don't use Wet Ones or firstaid wipes as you need to cleanse the skin prior to injecting the cannula.

 

[phoenix]

I'm prescribed (though have to pay for ) remember i'm not in the UK) unidose chlorhexidine in aqueous solution like this http://www.cooper.fr/produit_cooper_CHL ... %25+COOPER and gauze squares. The squares come two to a packet. I use one to swab the top of the insulin vial and the other to swap the site.

Oh, I've just spent a while looking for a similar product in the UK . I can't find it, they are all in alcohol.

 

[jopar]

I've never used anything!

Just insured that when changing sets my skin in clean, and when I've filled up my cartridge I ensure that the vile goes straight back in the box

 

[iHs]

I'm prescribed (though have to pay for ) remember i'm not in the UK) unidose chlorhexidine in aqueous solution like this http://www.cooper.fr/produit_cooper_CHL ... %25+COOPER and gauze squares. The squares come two to a packet. I use one to swab the top of the insulin vial and the other to swap the site.

Oh, I've just spent a while looking for a similar product in the UK . I can't find it, they are all in alcohol.

Is this any good to you Phoenix

ebay.co.uk/FIRST-AID-ALCOHOL-FREE-WIPES-PACK-100-/120741458586?pt=UK_BOI_Medical_Lab_Equipment_Medical_Supplies_Disposables_ET&hash=item1c1cc0729a

 

[LittleSue]

Thanks for clarifying, some food for thought there. The Ebay link didn't work, I did find some alcohol-free Sterowipes on ebay but more expensive. There was some chlorhexidine skin wash, 500ml if that would last ages. I'll speak to the other nurse when she's back from holiday and google.

Nothing was said about removing the set/adhesive either - have to see how that goes when I remove it on Friday.