Having to get injections is not fun, but it can be done by DIY – Do It Yourself!
Yes, it can be something you do yourself. Ask your mam or dad if you can help with your infusions – mixing the factor, put the tourniquet on yourself and then when you\’re ready to do the injection yourself. It is a tough thing to do so be sure to concentrate and remember PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!
Items needed for self-infusion:
- A tourniquet
- Alcohol wipes
- Butterfly needle
- Tape
- Syringe
- Factor concentrate
- Sharps container
Preparation
- Make sure your hands have been washed and the area is clean.
- The relevant limb should be adequately supported on a stable surface below heart level to allow gravity to enhance venous dilation. This causes blood to pool and veins to distend. Lightly tapping or gently stroking the vein along its length in a downward direction will also cause venous distension. Another simple, effective way to dilate veins consists of alternately clenching and relaxing your fist.
- Feel the veins to see how big they are, and in which direction they go, choosing ones that are straight. Start by placing one or two fingers over the vein and press lightly. Your thumbs should not be used as they are less sensitive.
- Apply a tourniquet two inches above the potential site for one minute only. Allow a few minutes for the vein to become more prominent.
- Select the vein, clean the skin with an alcohol swab in a downward stroke, and allow skin to dry.
- With the tourniquet applied, the vein identified, and the factor ready, hold the butterfly wings and insert the needle into the vein with the bevel facing upwards.
- When there is blood flashback, remove the tourniquet and inject the factor concentrate slowly.
- Once this is complete you can withdraw the needle, making sure to put pressure over the vein with a piece of cotton wool for two or three minutes. Then place a plaster on the site.
Media1 from Irish Haemophilia Society on Vimeo.