A patient with a continuous insulin infusion using an insulin pump has a risk for subcutaneous abscess or cellulitis. Infection is a common cause for discontinuation of pump use. The risk can be significantly reduced by careful attention to details.
Infusion sites are changed every 2-3 days.
Common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species
Risk factors for infection:
(1) poor hygiene
(2) failure to clean and decontaminate site prior to catheter insertion
(3) poor care of the catheter insertion site through the skin
(4) poor training and understanding
(5) failure to respond to signs of infection (erythema about insertion site, etc.)
(6) other risk factors for infection (immunosuppression, immunodeficiency, etc.)
(7) failure to change the insertion site as often as instructed (leaving too long at one site)
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
