Patient education: Infusion pumps (The Basics)

What is an infusion pump? — 

This is a device used to give a person fluids or medicines at a set rate. You might hear these called by their brand name (examples include Medfusion pumps or CADD pumps).

Infusion pumps are used in the hospital and at home. Examples of fluids and medicines include:

●IV fluids

●Medicines like chemotherapy or pain medicine

●Nutrition through a feeding tube

An infusion pump for home use is a type of "durable medical equipment" ("DME"). This is important for understanding insurance coverage and how to get supplies.

How do infusion pumps work?

●Most pumps draw fluid from a bag. Some push fluid out of a syringe instead. The pump can be set to give the fluid or medicine at a specific rate.

●A pump might control the flow of 1 fluid or multiple fluids.

●Some pumps go to a central line or an IV line. (An IV is a thin tube that goes into a vein.) Others go to a feeding tube.

●The pumps can give fluids or medicines continuously, or be used for a period of time and then turned off. Some only give medicine when a person pushes a button.

●Most pumps need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. But they might also have a battery to keep them running for a time when not plugged in.

●Many pumps go on an IV pole that might have wheels. Others can be carried in a small bag or be attached to clothing.

Where do I get an infusion pump? — 

Your doctor and home health staff will decide the best type of infusion pump for you. This depends on your medical condition and how the pump will be used.

A home health agency or a DME company can help order the pump and any supplies you need, like tubing or syringes. Your insurance might pay for some or all the cost.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Before using the pump, the staff will help you learn:

●How much and what type of fluid or medicines to give with the pump

●How to fill the tubing with fluids from the bag or syringe

●How to connect the tubing from the pump to the central line, IV, or feeding tube

●How to load the tubing or syringe into the pump

●How to set the pump to give the right amount of fluid or medicine over the right amount of time

●When and how to change or charge batteries, if the pump has them

What else should I know? — 

Ask the doctor, nurse, or home health staff if you have any questions. You need to know:

●How often to change tubing in the pump, and what to do with old fluids, medicines, or tubing

●What to do in case of a fluid or medicine spill

●How to care for the IV or feeding tube. Examples of care include:

•When to change the dressing

•How to flush the IV

•What to look for at the IV site or feeding tube to make sure there are no signs of infection, leaking, or other problems

●What the pump's alarms mean, and what to do if an alarm goes off

●What activities are safe while connected to the pump

●What supplies you need, and where to get them

●Who to call if you are having trouble with your infusion or the pump. Make sure you know how to contact the home health agency or DME company in case of any questions.

More on this topic

Patient education: Chemotherapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Hazardous medicine safety at home (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a central line catheter (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a G tube or G button (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a nasogastric tube (The Basics)
Patient education: Enteral (tube) feeding (The Basics)