Dosi-Fuser pump usage

You may have used a pump for receiving chemotherapy before, or this may be a new experience for you. This information sheet will explain how to look after your Dosi-Fuser pump.

Using the Dosi-Fuser pump

The Dosi-Fuser pump is a disposable pump which is designed to be used only once and then discarded when the infusion is finished and the pump is empty.

The Dosi-Fuser pump contains a balloon that holds the fluid intravenous (IV) chemotherapy medication. A flat 'flow regulator' (see image below), attached to the pump’s IV tubing, controls the delivery rate of infusion. This flow regulator must be in touch with your skin at all times. As the fluid medication flows through the tubing and into your bloodstream, the balloon slowly deflates and the 'fluid level indicator' moves towards a zero value.

The IV medication is pumped in at a set rate through the tubing. You do not need to do anything to make the fluid flow; the flow is controlled by the pump. Once all the medication has been delivered, the fluid level indicator will reach the zero value on the indicator scale. If the infusion has stopped before the fluid level indicator reaches the zero value, please contact the nursing team on one of the numbers below.

Your nurse will tell you how long the infusion time will be; this is approximate and the pump may infuse slightly faster or it may take a little longer. You should check your pump every 10 to 24 hours to see that the level indicator is moving, and that the movement is slow. If it is not moving within this time period, please contact the nursing team for advice.

If you contact the nursing team on the phone, they may ask you where the fluid level indicator is relative to the scale. You can just state the nearest number (such as 10, 15 etc).

Very important points to note

• The flow regulator must be taped securely (using adhesive tape) to the skin in order to maintain the constant flow rate.
• Do not re-use the pump or tubing.
• Do not swim while using your infusion pump.
• Do not unscrew the Luer-lock inlet cap; this must be securely fastened at all times.
• Take care when bathing. If you bathe or shower whilst wearing your pump, place it in a small plastic bag or wrap it in a towel and place it out of the water, on the edge of the bath or shower shelf. Also, keep the air filter dry.
• The blue clamp must remain in the open position for the duration of your infusion.

Additional information

The nursing staff will connect the pump and open the clamp to start the infusion. The clamp must remain open for the duration of the infusion. Trained nursing staff will disconnect and dispose of the pump – you must not do this yourself.

Carry the pump in the bag provided. The pump should be worn at the same level as the flow regulator. It should not be placed on the floor or above your head. At night, it can be placed at your waist or under your pillow. The pump can be worn under or on top of clothing.

The pump must remain at room temperature and not be exposed to heat sources or direct sunlight.

Leaks are very rare, but if you see any fluid in or out of the plastic casing please call the nurses on one of the numbers below.

Please contact the Chemotherapy Unit if you have any questions regarding your pump or treatment.

Patient FAQs

Sleeping

• Place your Dosi-Fuser under your pillow or in another location at your level.
• Do not hang it from a bed post or IV pole.
• Do not leave it on the floor.

Shower / bath

• If you have to take a shower or bath, protect your Dosi-Fuser from direct water streams.
• In particular, ensure that the filter hole on the line is protected from water, as it could block the air elimination membrane.

Temperature

• Do not expose the reservoir to extreme temperatures.
• Protect the reservoir from cold temperatures by carrying it under your clothing.
• Protect the reservoir from direct heat.
• Keep the capillary element in contact with the skin at 32°C (89.6°F).

Washing

• The capillary element does not require washing, but if you do wash it, use water only. Do not use alcohol or other solvents for this purpose.
• Do not wash the filter.

Exercise

You may exercise while using the Dosi-Fuser, but:

• consider the height of the reservoir
• consider the temperature
• do not wet the filter on the line
• do not let the Dosi-Fuser fall

Traveling

• You may travel by plane with your Dosi-Fuser.

Contact information

Chemotherapy Day Unit 01223 217099 08:00 (8am) to 18:00 (6pm) Monday to Friday
Acute Oncology Service 01223 274224 after hours, at weekends or on bank holidays