Page 106 - COVID-19 Inpatient Training Resources

Subcutaneous (SC) Site Tip Sheet

Quick Tips:

» Only one medication may be used per subcutaneous port
» Each port must be labelled with the medication and date of insertion
o If not labelled, site must be removed and reinserted with appropriate label
» Prime the site with the medication ordered prior to inserting
» DO NOT flush site with Normal Saline after medication administration
» Common sites: abdomen, upper arms, thighs
» Sites should be rotated every 7 days and PRN depending on site/line assessment
o Assess site for redness, pain, hard bumps, drainage, line patency
Insertion:

1. Withdraw desired dose of medication in syringe and label accordingly.
2. Withdraw remainder of medication from vial/ampule for priming and wasting.
3. Open needleless connector and attach to syringe with priming/wasting medication.
4. Open BD Saf-T-Intima 22 g subcutaneous set.
5. Remove clear cap from port on right side and attach needleless connector, maintaining sterility.
6. Prime needleless connector and site with medication until a drop of medication appears at the tip of the
needle.
a. On the narcotic record, record waste and identify that a subcutaneous port was primed with
medication (indicate how many mL it took to prime the port).

7. Prepare insertion site with chlorhexidine wipe (wipe up-and-down for 15 seconds, left-to-right for 15
seconds and let air dry- do not blow or fan).
8. Insert subcutaneous port into fatty tissue.
9. After insertion, pull the long white safety shield to remove the needle. The blue part of the safety shield
will detach and lock into place once the full length of the needle is removed from the site.

10. Apply a transparent dressing over the site.
11. Cleanse the needleless connector with a chlorhexidine wipe (wipe up-and-down for 15 seconds, left-to-
right for 15 seconds and let air dry- do not blow or fan) and administer medication as prescribed
a. DO NOT flush site with Normal Saline after medication administration.

Please connect with your APCE if you have any questions/require assistance.

Please note a Standard of Care is currently being developed for insertion and maintenance of subcutaneous
ports. Release date TBD.