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  6. Infusion Pumps: Tips for Using Your Pump at Home
  1. Infusion Pumps

Infusion Pumps: Tips for Using Your Pump at Home

Intravenous infusion pump
         Intravenous infusion pump

Infusion therapy uses an infusion pump to deliver fluids, medicines, and in some cases, nutrition, to the body without needing to take them orally. Read on to learn more about infusion therapies and how to safely use your infusion pump at home.

On this page:

AnchorReceiving infusion therapies

Infusion therapies can be delivered in many ways, including:

  • a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is placed in: 
    • a vein (“intravascular” therapy)
    • fatty tissue (”subcutaneous” therapy)
    • a muscle (“intramuscular” therapy)
  • a special implanted access device called a port, using a special needle to connect to the port
  • a feeding tube that goes through the mouth or nose, or that is surgically placed through the abdomen.

Catheter- and port-based infusion therapy may be used when the treatment you need to receive cannot be given to you by mouth because some therapies do not work as well after passing through your stomach or your digestive system is not an option due to a medical condition or surgical problem. Conversely, a feeding tube can be used to deliver infusions directly to your digestive system if you are unable to, or have difficulty with, swallowing. Infusions can be used to deliver: 

  • hydration 
  • liquid nutrients (“parenteral nutrition” or “enteral nutrition”)
  • chemotherapy 
  • pain medication
  • antibiotics
  • insulin
  • many other medications 

AnchorBefore using your infusion pump

  • Complete training on safe use of your infusion pump.
    • If access to a pump trainer is available to you, ask for a hands-on demonstration. Alternatively, your health care provider can go over device use with you. You can also review videos and/or pictures provided in the training materials from your pump company. If you still have questions about the safe use of your infusion pump, contact the pump company to arrange for additional training which may be live in-person or remote. 
      • Whatever form of training you participate in, consider inviting your family or other care partners to complete the training with you and to practice with you.
      • Ask questions and take notes.
    • Contact your health care provider or the pump company’s technical support line if you have questions during training or if questions arise during routine device use.
  • Read your pump’s Instructions for Use and User Guide and keep them handy.
    • Make sure you understand how to use the infusion pump.
    • Know what information is displayed on the infusion pump screen and what you should expect to see during routine device use, as well as how to recognize problems with your infusion pump that need to be addressed.
    • If your pump does not have a screen, know how to identify if it is working correctly and what to look for to identify issues (for example, an elastomeric pump that does not deflate during use).
    • Know what types of alarms and error messages are possible, as well as how to enable, disable, and adjust these settings based on your needs.
    • Understand the alarms and error messages, and what to do if they appear.
  • Work with your health care provider prior to setting up your infusion pump for the first time.
    • Review your medical conditions, allergies, and possible reactions to using this device. 
      • Discuss what situations might arise that would make it unsafe for you to continue using an infusion pump; for example, starting oral pain medicines in addition to using your infusion pump to deliver intravenous pain medicines might not be safe. 
  • Make sure you fully understand how to use your pump before beginning therapy. Do not begin using your pump if you do not feel the training has answered all your questions.
  • Confirm that you are using the correct prescription medication (drug container label matches prescription).
    • Check all expiration dates before using a medicine.
    • Review proper storage of medications including need for refrigeration. 
  • Contact the pump company or your health care provider whenever you have questions.

 Your health care provider should:

  • Assess your health status and review your allergies with you.
  • Discuss what to look out for in terms of potential medication side effects and allergic reactions.
  • Discuss proper storage of medicine.
  • Provide directions, such as how to care for your pump and test it for accuracy.
  • Discuss the proper use of your pump as well as the safe disposal of any needles in a sharps container (a thick, plastic, leak-proof, capped container that prevents accidental needlestick injuries).
  • Ensure that your pump is programmed to deliver the correct dose of medicine.
  • Give you an emergency contact phone number that can be used at any time, day or night.

Your pump company will:

  • Supply batteries, equipment, and accessories.
  • Schedule routine pump maintenance.
  • Have a customer service phone number available 24 hours a day for any pump questions and to report an event where you may be concerned your insulin pump did not work properly.
  • Help you with pump troubleshooting and malfunctions.
  • Handle all repairs or replacements of your pump and pump-related parts.
  • Investigate any report of possible infusion pump malfunction.

AnchorUsing your infusion pump

  • Before touching the pump:
    • wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds
    • use liquid soap (not bar soap) and rinse
    • dry with a clean paper towel
  • Always place your pump and supplies on a clean surface.
  • Keep food and drinks away from the area around your pump.
  • Monitor children and animals when they are near the pump area.
  • Change tubing according to your pump’s Instructions for Use.
  • Change batteries or recharge your pump as directed by your health care provider.
  • Double-check to ensure the instructions on your medication match what your health care provider has instructed you to do. If there are any differences, contact your health care provider. 
  • In general, keep your cell phone, other radio transmitters (such as two-way radios), and any sources of strong electric and magnetic interference, such as large electric motors, at least six inches away from your pump. Pay special attention to the instructions that come with your pump because they will likely provide more specific guidance.
    • Contact your pump manufacturer for more information and recommendations, if needed.
A person washing their hands at a sink.
Wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap for 20 seconds before touching your infusion pump.

AnchorManaging the most common problems with an infusion pump 

Over- or under-infusion

This occurs when your infusion pump delivers too much or too little of the desired therapy. This can happen if the rate of infusion, length of time of infusion, or both, is changed accidentally or if your pump stops working properly. It can also occur if there is a blockage or disruption in the flow of the infusion, as can occur if there is a kink in the tubing. Some troubleshooting tips include:

  • Check tubing for leaks, kinks, twists, and disconnects.
  • Check for visible particles or air bubbles in the solution, tubing, and filter area that might block the flow.
  • Check clamps to make sure they are open.
  • Monitor your pump during an infusion to be sure it is working properly. 
  • Note infusion start and stop times. 
    • If your infusion runs for an unexpectedly short amount of time, or if it continues for longer than expected, there may be a problem with your pump. 
  • If you cannot find a clear explanation for the rate change (like one of the blockages listed above), contact your healthcare provider and report the issue to the pump manufacturer and FDA (see Reporting Pump-Related Problems and Injuries” below).
  • Change tubing according to instructions.

Wrong programming

  • Check the pump screen to be sure programmed rates and dosages match your medicine’s label and the treatment plan provided to you by your health care provider. 
  • If the rate or dosage differs, then contact your health care provider for clarification and assistance.

Wrong prescription

  • Call your health care provider immediately if you think your medicine's label is not correct.

Batteries

  • In some cases, batteries should be used for back-up only.
  • When you must use batteries:
    • Change batteries according to your health care provider's directions.
    • Be on the alert for visual and audible alarms that will occur when the batteries are low (or if there are other problems). Do not ignore alarms.
    • Always keep an extra supply of new batteries with you.
    • Ask your pump supplier about the life of your batteries.
A person holding tubing in their hand.
Check tubing for leaks, kinks, twists, and disconnects.

AnchorSeeking medical assistance

Call 911 for any health emergencies, including:

  • trouble breathing
  • chest pain
  • confusion or changes in behavior
  • anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction)

Contact your health care provider if you develop: 

  • a fever
  • problems at your infusion site such as: 
    • pain
    • leaking
    • foul odor
    • pus-like discharge
    • skin redness, swelling, warmth, or firmness
  • problems with your infusion pump or tubing such as:
    • leaks
    • error messages or alarms that cannot be fixed
    • suspected over- or under-infusion
    • incorrect programming
    • wrong prescription

AnchorPreparing for a power outage or natural disaster

  • Contact your local emergency management office to learn more and register for assistance. 
    • Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities or certain medical conditions to receive targeted assistance during emergencies such as power failures or natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes. 
  • Keep extra pump batteries on hand (if applicable) and know how to replace them.
  • Keep emergency and after-hours phone numbers handy. 
    • If you keep these numbers in your cell phone, be sure to have a back-up physical copy of the numbers somewhere in your home in case your cell phone runs out of power during an emergency.
  • Have a flashlight available.

AnchorTraveling with your infusion pump

Airplane travel

  • Always pack your pump supplies in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack your supplies in checked luggage as it could get delayed, lost, or broken. 
  • Before going to the airport, contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 with questions about traveling with your pump. Additionally, review the TSA webpage about Disabilities and Medical Conditions for instructions on traveling with medications.
  • Ask your pump supplier about additional needs or precautions when traveling.
  • Security screening systems may cause your pump to stop working properly. Going through the screening process may also set off your pump’s alarm.
    • Before going through a security screening station, inform the staff that you have an infusion pump and ask to be searched manually.
    • After going through security, check to be sure your pump is working.

Foreign travel

  • Review the US Department of State webpages about Your Health Abroad and Travelers with Disabilities, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage about Traveling Abroad with Medicine. 
  • Pump considerations:
    •   Make sure your pump will work with that country’s power system. 
      • If it does not, you will need a converter for the power source (voltage and frequency) and an adapter for the plug so that your pump will work.
    • Keep extra pump batteries on hand (if applicable) and know how to replace them. The necessary battery type may not be available in other countries. Consider the reliability of the electrical system and your access to it when deciding how many extra batteries to bring.
  • Bring additional administration sets, swabs, and other necessary medical equipment. This equipment may not be available in other countries. When assessing the amounts to bring, consider the number of infusions you will need to perform during your travel, including during any potential travel delays.
  • Medication considerations
    • Some medications that are legal in the United States are illegal in other countries. 
      • Many countries limit how much medication (such as narcotics) you can bring. 
    • Talk to your health care provider ahead of your travel. Consider asking about:
      • Getting enough medicine for the duration of your trip and any travel delays.
      • Alternative medications if your current medications are not permitted in your destination or layover countries.
      • Appropriate documentation (such as copies of prescriptions or letters documenting medical conditions) as recommended by the U.S. embassy for your destination and any layover countries.
      • Storage conditions for your medications, including your expected access to reliable refrigeration (as needed).
      • Adjusting infusion schedules when traveling to different time zones.

Local travel

  • When traveling locally, pass quickly through anti-theft systems and security systems like those found in stores and in public places. Do not touch these systems or stop when going through them to help prevent your infusion pump from malfunctioning.
  • Check to make sure your pump is working properly each time you pass through an anti-theft or security system.

AnchorReporting pump-related problems and injuries

Report any problems with your infusion pump to each of the following:

  • Your health care provider
  • Your pump supplier 
  • The FDA online or at 1-800-332-1088 (24 hours a day)

AnchorCaring for children who need infusion therapy

  • Explain the reasons for using the pump and the benefits of infusion therapy.
    • Use language your child will understand.
    • Encourage your child to ask questions.
    • Be honest and try to use positive words and pictures.
  • Show your child how he or she can help.
    • Allow children to assist with their own care, when age-appropriate.
    • For a small child, try play-acting with a doll to show what will happen and how they can help.
  • Check on your child as often as your health care provider recommends.
    • A younger child may need to be checked more often than an older child.
  • Ask about resources in the community, including at school and camp.
  • Report any change in your child's physical or mental condition to your health care provider.
  • Encourage children to play in a manner that is safe while they are receiving therapy.
  • If you have any concerns, speak with your child’s health care provider.

AnchorAdditional resources

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