://module 4 The syringe driver page 4/8 <previous next >
Setting up the driver
Using the Graseby type driver, the mixture of drugs should be drawn up and mixed / diluted as necessary. The total amount of fluid should then be made up to 48mm (measure with a ruler) with sterile water in a 12.5ml or 20ml syringe. This allows the driver to be set to a flow rate of 2mm per hour, giving 24 hours of continuous medication.
The infusion is given subcutaneously at any suitable site via a fine bore needle. Commonly used sites include the upper arms and the abdomen. For patients needing syringe drivers for a long time, it is important to change the site and needle every few days (or sooner if there is any reaction).
We will now look at the correct way to prescribe (or check) a syringe driver prescription.