Procedure for disconnecting an infusion from a port

NHS Ayrshire & Arran guidelines
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

When disconnecting an infusion pump a strict aseptic technique must be followed. A trolley should be set up similarly to doing the care and maintenance of a port with the required equipment.

Equipment required for disconnecting an infusion from a port

  • sterile dressing pack
  • one pair of sterile gloves
  • plastic apron
  • disposal bag and appropriate sharps bin
  • antiseptic hand hygiene product
  • chlorhexidine gluconate BP 2% & isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe
  • 20mls of 0.9% sodium chloride (2x 10 ml) or 2 x 10ml PosiFlush XS may be used – ensure the packaging stipulates XS as only these syringes are externally sterile
  • 5ml heparinised 0.9% sodium chloride (100iu/ml).
  • 10ml luer-lok syringes
  • blunt needles
  • port protector (only if the port needle is being kept in place)

Procedure for disconnecting an infusion from a port

Please note: if your hands are not socially clean and you need to wash your hands with soap and water (rather than alcohol gel), this must be carried out a minimum of 2 meters away from the working surface/dressing trolley and any CVAD equipment.

  1. Clean working surface/dressing trolley with detergent wipe and allow to fully dry for at least 30 seconds. Clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene Put on a plastic apron.  
  2. Open dressing pack onto clean area and open the necessary equipment onto the dressing pack aseptically.
  3. Wipe away surface anaesthesia at needle insertion site prior to the procedure and dispose (if applicable)
  4. Clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene and apply sterile gloves.
  5. Using aseptic technique draw up 20ml 0.9% sodium chloride for flushing into 2 10ml LuerLok syringes or use two 10ml PosiFlush XS 0.9% sodium chloride syringes – ensure the packaging stipulates XS as only these syringes are externally sterile. Draw up heparin as per instructions in table 1 (see procedure for accessing and flushing a port)
  6. Remove the infusion from the port. Clean the end of the lumen thoroughly with chlorhexidine gluconate BP 2% & isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe for 30 seconds and allow to dry completely for 30 seconds.
  7. Attach the 2 x10ml syringe containing the sterile 0.9% sodium chloride for flushing to the port. Open the clamp. Flush the port with 2 x10mls of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride using a push/pause technique until the last 1ml and close the clamp on the last push.
  8. Attach the 10ml syringe containing the sterile heparinised 0.9% sodium chloride for locking the port. Open the clamp. Flush the port using a push/pause technique until the last 1ml and close the clamp as the remaining liquid is pushed in.
  9. Apply a curos port protector onto the end of the port needle if it is being kept in place or remove the port needle.
  10. Dispose of all waste appropriately as per waste management guidelines:
    1. NHS Ayrshire & Arran segregation of waste policy
    2. NHS Ayrshire & Arran waste disposal policy.
  11. Remove PPE and clean hands with alcohol gel as per the WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene.
  12. Document procedure including any problems, action taken and review date in the care bundle -DRS 6104 (appendix 5) and appropriate notes.

If further advice is required please contact:

Ayr Hospital                    01292 610555 Oncology Ward Station 15, ext 14336

Crosshouse Hospital      01563 521133 Oncology Ward 3A/3C, ext 27938/27917