MM522 quickset-what am I doing wrong?

[pookas]

Ok, my first site change w/ Hunter by myself tonight and it went awful! I had everything ready and used the IV prep, waited for it to dry a bit and popped it in, then put some prep around the edges. It didn't stick! I had to remove it and do another, then THAT one didn't want to stick well so I had to use tape around the edges! So what am I doing wrong? Should the IV perep be completely dry, or just a little dry or mostly? I did it great the first 2 times w/ the trainer! I'm wondering if I didn't clean where the emla was good enough? I cleaned it as thorough as I thought...UGH! I hope the site changes get easier and what are the chances it will stick for another 2 days w/ the tape?? Hunter was NOT happy.

[Momof4gr8kids]

Linda, we were told to make sure the iv prep is all of the way dry, it is still sticky after it dries. don't know if that would cause issues though.
Did the sticky stuff get touched alot? Do you think the pad might be off? Sorry, I am so new that I just don't have that much insite. I hope the site lasts. Good luck with easier site changes in the future, Jamie

[hold48398]

Hey Linda,
I'm sorry you had a rough first site change all by yourself. You will be a pro at it in no time! Yes, the EMLA is VERY greasy, so make sure to wash the skin well before applying the set. I too have managed to pull not 2 but 3 (!!) Insets right off because the IV prep wasn't dry and there was EMLA residue... Here is the routine that we have now:

1) Remove EMLA by wiping skin with paper towel
2) Get clean washcloth and wipe/wash the skin with soap and water, rinse with wet new washcloth
3) Pat dry with new paper towel
4) Wipe well with alcohol, let dry
5) Wipe well with IV prep (keep washcloths handy to wipe your sticky fingers!) and let that dry or almost dry

I usually "test" the area around the site to see if the skin is tacky yet. I have found that completely dry is better than not dry enough...


You did great keeping a cool head. I know site changes can be nervewracking at the beginning but you will have a routine down soon and won't fret the changes anymore. Keep up the good job!!

[Hollyb]

Yes, you should let it dry completely, and wash off the Emla with a little soap (and rinse) or maybe damp cloth then rubbing alcohol to get rid of the slipperyness.

If a set develops iffy edges after a day or two, you can try to restick them and then put a tegaderm or IV 3000, with a hole cut in the middle, over the whole thing. Aaron finds they feel more natural and less irritating than tape. But be careful -- once the edges lift up, the little cannula can flip out without you knowing. If even with letting the IV prep dry you still have sticking problems, Skin Tac works really well for us. But lots of people are fine with just the IV prep.

[pookas]

Thanks so much for the quick responses when I needed them! What an ordeal! Now I have a headache and Hunter has 2 extra holes in his bottom. Third time WAS the charm I followed the advice posted and waited for the IV prep to dry and it worked perfect. THEN I went to take off the 2nd site and it was STUCK like glue! It wasn't when I had to put the tape around it! So, it's on. Thanks everyone! Live and learn...and poke :o

[EmmasMom]

Hey Linda, I'm sorry it your first site change didn't go smoothly...:( So frustrating!! I had a very similar experience and it took a few times to really get the hang of it!
I second everything Marisa said about prepping the area, and also on the quicksets you need to push the "plunger" part of the quick-serter in after you pop it, this will ensure that the tape is firmly against the skin before you pull it off.

I'm glad the 3rd one worked out!!!:cwds: