Suggested priming technique
Below you will find our recommended priming techniques using the Agilia Volumat dedicated infusion giving sets.
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Please take note of the following:
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Agilia Volumat infusion giving sets are supplied sterile within the packaging and indicated for single use only.
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It is recommended to prime the administration set immediately before starting the infusion.
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When inserting the spike of the administration set into a bag or add on accessory DO NOT rotate the spike. Insert the spike straight. Rotation of the spike may lead to increased pressure causing the spike, or spike tip, to break.
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During priming, make sure that the administration set is not connected to the patient.
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For administration sets with two spikes, only open one line at a time.
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When using an administration set with a filter, verify that the fluid to be infused is compatible with the size of the filter.
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Priming is recommended with a neutral solution such as sterile water.
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If the giving set is primed with a fluid or drug that is not a neutral solution then the Flow-Stop cap should be removed immediately after the set is primed and replaced with a solid end cap not containing a hydrophobic membrane.
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The maximum duration the cap can remain in place after priming has been completed is 15 minutes.
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If the cap is remaining in place after priming for a maximum duration of 15 minutes the height between the bag/container and the flow stop end cap should not exceed 1.8 metres. This can be achieved by pressing the tubing at the end of the set into the tubing retention hook on the roller clamp. The flow stop end cap should be pointing upwards after pressing into the hook.
Prime the giving set with a bag
1. Remove the cap from the spike, close the roller clamp, invert bag and insert the spike straight into the appropriate bag port. Do not rotate the spike when inserting.
2. Fill the drip chamber approximately 1/2 full.
3. Slowly open the roller clamp for priming. Invert the needle-free port(s) while priming, and gently tap the port(s) to remove all air.
4. When the administration set is fully primed, close the roller clamp and check carefully for the absence of air bubbles.
Prime the giving set with a bottle
1. Ensure roller clamp is open and the air vent is closed then push the spike down into the bottle.
2. Close the roller clamp.
3. Hang the bottle upside down, then squeeze and release the drip chamber in order to fill it approximately 1/2 full.
4. Slowly open the roller clamp for priming.
5. Open the air vent, and allow the liquid to flow into the administration set. Invert the needle-free port(s) while priming, and gently tap the port(s) to remove all air.
6. When the administration set is fully primed, close the roller clamp and check carefully for the absence of air bubbles.
Priming tips
Handling of the K-Nect needle free port
The instructions below detail the recommended steps to accessing and removing a syringe from a K-Nect port within a giving set or extension set.
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It is recommended if using a luer lock syringe to perform a 3/4 turn of the syringe into the K-Nect port to ensure the syringe is fully engaged.
1. Prime. Invert the port while filling and gently tap the valve to purge all air.
2. Swab. Always disinfect before accessing according to your hospital protocol.
3. Flush. Flush the port after each use according to your hospital protocol.
4. Disconnect. While disconnecting rest finger firmly on the syringe plunger creating a positive displacement.
If using a luer slip syringe with the K-Nect needle free port insert firmly using a two handed technique and give the syringe a quarter turn. Do not leave the connection unattended.
