How to Change an Accu Chek Spirit or Combo Insulin Pump Cartridge
Gather all the bits you will need., Take the new cartridge out of its packet., Place the cartridge filler needle into the insulin vial., Push the plunger down to push air into the vial., Rotate the cartridge so that the vial is at the top, upside...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Gather all the bits you will need.
It's best to place them in a "clean-field"
such as on a piece of kitchen roll, so that you can be sure you are being as hygienic as possible.
You will need to make sure you have a vial of insulin, a new cartridge, and a new tubing set if you are going to change that as well. -
Step 2: Take the new cartridge out of its packet.
Pull the plunger up and down a few times without pulling it right out to lubricate the inside of the cartridge.
This will help to ensure the O-rings don't leak. , The filler cap is specially designed to fit the top of insulin vials, so this should be nice and easy. , Keep pushing until the plunger reaches the bottom of the insulin cartridge. , Make sure you keep the plunger pressed to the bottom while you do this. , The pressure that is built up in the insulin vial will push it out naturally, and once it stops you can pull it until you have drawn as much insulin as you want into the cartridge. , They should both simply pull off: a little twist is required to remove the filler cap. , Little "champagne" bubbles are nothing to worry about, but if there are any larger bubbles, tap the cartridge to move them to the top and then gently push the plunger to push them out.
See the Tips below for more information on removing bubbles. , This is done by twisting gently in an anti-clockwise direction.
You might want to put the little protective cap on the cartridge at this point until you need it later. , To do this, press the menu key once until the Stop sign shows and then the tick key.
Follow the instructions that come with your infusion set to disconnect from your body. , To do this, twist in an anti-clockwise direction.
You should then do the same again to remove the luer-lock connection between your cartridge and your tubing set, before pulling the cartridge out. ,, A warning screen will appear prompting you to remove the cartridge. , Wait for the plunger to rewind all the way back. , If it doesn't, press either of the arrow buttons to wind the plunger up a notch until it is level. , If there is a gap between the plunger and the stopper at this point, you should unscrew it again and adjust using the arrow buttons until the gap no longer exists. , The self-checks will begin. , Then press the tick button on the Infusion Set Priming screen. , If the priming volume is not suitable, you will need to change in the settings.
Refer to the manual for this. , When a drop appears at the end, you should press the tick button to stop the priming. , Your pump is now ready to go until the next cartridge change! -
Step 3: Place the cartridge filler needle into the insulin vial.
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Step 4: Push the plunger down to push air into the vial.
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Step 5: Rotate the cartridge so that the vial is at the top
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Step 6: upside down.
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Step 7: Release the plunger.
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Step 8: Remove the insulin vial and then the filler cap from the cartridge.
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Step 9: Check that there is no air in the cartridge.
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Step 10: Remove the plunger.
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Step 11: Stop and disconnect your pump from your body.
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Step 12: Unscrew the cartridge from the insulin pump.
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Step 13: Dispose of the old cartridge and tubing set according to local regulations.
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Step 14: Select Cartridge Change from the menu.
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Step 15: Hold down the tick button for 3 seconds to start the rewind.
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Step 16: Place the screw piece on the new cartridge and rest it against the opening of the cartridge compartment to visually check the plunger matches up with the stopper in the cartridge.
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Step 17: Gently screw the cartridge in.
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Step 18: Press the tick button.
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Step 19: Screw the new tubing set onto the end in a clockwise direction.
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Step 20: Check that the priming volume is suitable
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Step 21: then hold down the tick button for three seconds.
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Step 22: Hold the tubing vertically and watch the insulin move up the tubing.
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Step 23: Connect your infusion set and start your pump.
Detailed Guide
It's best to place them in a "clean-field"
such as on a piece of kitchen roll, so that you can be sure you are being as hygienic as possible.
You will need to make sure you have a vial of insulin, a new cartridge, and a new tubing set if you are going to change that as well.
Pull the plunger up and down a few times without pulling it right out to lubricate the inside of the cartridge.
This will help to ensure the O-rings don't leak. , The filler cap is specially designed to fit the top of insulin vials, so this should be nice and easy. , Keep pushing until the plunger reaches the bottom of the insulin cartridge. , Make sure you keep the plunger pressed to the bottom while you do this. , The pressure that is built up in the insulin vial will push it out naturally, and once it stops you can pull it until you have drawn as much insulin as you want into the cartridge. , They should both simply pull off: a little twist is required to remove the filler cap. , Little "champagne" bubbles are nothing to worry about, but if there are any larger bubbles, tap the cartridge to move them to the top and then gently push the plunger to push them out.
See the Tips below for more information on removing bubbles. , This is done by twisting gently in an anti-clockwise direction.
You might want to put the little protective cap on the cartridge at this point until you need it later. , To do this, press the menu key once until the Stop sign shows and then the tick key.
Follow the instructions that come with your infusion set to disconnect from your body. , To do this, twist in an anti-clockwise direction.
You should then do the same again to remove the luer-lock connection between your cartridge and your tubing set, before pulling the cartridge out. ,, A warning screen will appear prompting you to remove the cartridge. , Wait for the plunger to rewind all the way back. , If it doesn't, press either of the arrow buttons to wind the plunger up a notch until it is level. , If there is a gap between the plunger and the stopper at this point, you should unscrew it again and adjust using the arrow buttons until the gap no longer exists. , The self-checks will begin. , Then press the tick button on the Infusion Set Priming screen. , If the priming volume is not suitable, you will need to change in the settings.
Refer to the manual for this. , When a drop appears at the end, you should press the tick button to stop the priming. , Your pump is now ready to go until the next cartridge change!
About the Author
Ryan Stokes
Creates helpful guides on organization to inspire and educate readers.
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