Subcutaneous (SQ) infusions are a safe and effective way to deliver continuous symptom-management medications for hospice patients. The SQ infusion kit provides all essential supplies needed to prepare the site, insert the catheter, and administer medication through a CADD pump or syringe-driven infusion.
This guide walks caregivers and hospice nurses through what’s included in the kit and how to use it safely step-by-step.
What’s included in the SQ infusion kit
Each kit contains the supplies needed to start and maintain a subcutaneous infusion site:
- Gloves (8 Medium) - For clean handling and infection prevention.
- Alcohol swabs (10) - Used for cleansing the infusion site and maintaining sterility.
- Saf-T-Intima 24G ¾" subcutaneous catheters (3) - Soft, flexible catheters for SQ placement.
- Clave needle-free connectors (3) - Creates a closed system and prevents contamination.
- Tegaderm dressings (3) - Secures the catheter and protects the insertion site.
These supplies support both single-site and repeated-site use depending on the patient’s care plan.
Preparing for the infusion
Proper preparation ensures comfort and helps reduce the risk of infection.
- Perform hand hygiene. Wash with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and allow hands to dry completely.
- Gather supplies. Place all components from the kit on a clean, dry surface. Confirm that packaging is sealed and sterile.
- Put on gloves. Use clean, non-sterile gloves for setup.
- Prepare the infusion site.
- Common sites include the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.
- Rotate locations to reduce irritation and improve tissue comfort.
- Clean the area with an alcohol swab using outward circular motions and allow to dry.
Inserting the SQ catheter
These steps ensure proper catheter placement and secure access for medication infusion.
- Prepare the Saf-T-Intima catheter.
Open the packaging carefully without touching the catheter tip. Prime with saline or medication if instructed by the prescriber. - Insert the catheter.
Hold the skin taut, insert the catheter at a 30–45° angle, and advance the soft catheter fully under the skin. Retract the introducer needle to leave only the flexible catheter in place. - Secure the site.
Attach a Clave needle-free connector to create a closed system, then apply a Tegaderm dressing to stabilize and protect the catheter.
Starting the infusion
After the catheter is placed, you can begin administering the medication.
- Connect tubing if needed. Attach the infusion tubing firmly to the Clave connector.
- Prime the tubing. Flush the line with medication or carrier solution to remove air.
- Begin the infusion.
- Follow the prescribed rate and duration.
- Confirm CADD pump settings match the medication order.
- Monitor the site. Check periodically for redness, swelling, burning, leakage, or any sign of infiltration.
Post-infusion care
Once the infusion is complete, proper removal and site care are essential.
- Stop the infusion. Turn off or pause the pump and clamp the tubing.
- Disconnect and remove. Detach the tubing, gently remove the SQ catheter, and dispose of supplies appropriately.
- Dispose of materials correctly.
- Sharps → sharps container
- All other waste → appropriate trash or biohazard receptacle per agency policy
- Assess the site. Look for redness, swelling, drainage, or tenderness that could indicate irritation or infection.
When to call hospice
The patient or caregiver should notify the hospice nurse immediately if the site becomes:
- Painful or burning
- Warm to the touch
- Red or swollen
- Leaking medication
- Showing signs of infection (fever, streaking, drainage)
Additional guidance
- Rotate infusion sites regularly to prevent breakdown or irritation.
- If using multiple sites, repeat all steps for each location.
- For continuous infusions, sites are typically replaced every 3–7 days, depending on tolerance and agency protocol.
- Always follow the prescriber’s orders and your hospice’s clinical guidelines.