Prime chamber with roller valve or clamp CLOSED, to minimise air trapping. The same applies if using an in-line flow regulator valve.

Prime the set slowly, when possible, to:

When priming rest of line, invert each connection and injection port in turn so the fluid flows past in a vertical direction. Tapping these components when inverted helps dislodge any trapped air bubbles.

Most sets have a vented cap on the male luer connector. Prime the set with this cap in place and leave attached until connecting the line to the catheter to preserve male luer sterility.

Micro-Dripper Chambers tend to give an erratic drop-rate pattern compared to 20-drop/ml sets. Whilst not affecting the actual flow rate, it makes drop counting more difficult. This is normally overcome by priming these chambers fuller than a standard chamber (see below)

The following Minimum Chamber Priming Volumes will help to reduce air embolism and drip-pattern irregularity in use:

Any air bubbles found in set whilst in use can be removed by aspirating at a distal port as the air flows near that port.

Select the widest bore and shortest catheter to suit your patient. This will reduce the risk of clot formation within the catheter lumen and improves the maximum flow rates.

Using a larger vein (eg Jugular or central venous) will minimise the risk of thrombophlebitis, especially when using the access for:

Catheter material and vein selection will both affect the duration a catheter can be left in situ for. Assuming aseptic technique, materials can be left in situ for the following approximate times:

Once the catheter is placed, occlude its' lumen with firm digital pressure on the skin just proximal to the catheter hub

Forming a loop on the distal line reduces the risk of patient-induced catheter trauma. This is easier if using pliant kink-proof tubing.

Secure the line to the catheter hub to form the loop

Then secure the line to the patient's leg 1-2 cm proximal to the catheter tip. This is most important to allow firm fixation and minimise catheter trauma/displacement.

This should leave a distal Y-port injection site accessible

Remember: for RAPID infusion rates, do NOT use your pump! Most have a maximum rate of about 1L/hr, whilst most infusion lines will give a free flow of 2.5-3.5 L/Hr

Change the position of the tubing in the pump at manufacturers recommended periods. Use tubing closest to the chamber first, then move distally: this will minimise the incidence if "air-in-line" alarms.

Consider altering the alarm settings if you regularly get "distal occlusion" or "air-in-line" alarms. Setting both to maximum will help, but ensure that luer connections and ports are not allowing excessive air ingress.

If your pump specification allows, it may give more flexibility to set your pump to "micro-infusion" mode as standard. This will allow infusion rates as low as 0.1ml/hr (comparable to a syringe driver)

Changing sets: if there is blood or other contamination within the line, change the set when changing the catheter If using a T-connector or replaceable end section, changing these is often sufficient to maintain a clean and sterile fluid path.

Flushing the set: All intravenous access points should be flushed every 3 - 6 hours. The volume suitable depends upon patient size and other parameters, but 1-3 mls will cover most patient sizes. The fluid type to use depends upon the flow status. For:

Patient movement: When regular patient movement is anticipated, consider using a self-sealing valve to close the fluid path and allow disconnection of patient from the line. This is of particular advantage when using an infusion pump.
If the valve is swabable, just cap the free male luer for sterility. If the valve is recessed, you should cap BOTH free luer connections.