Changing the Smartsite®

Paediatric guidelines (in development)
NHS Lothian

Smartsite® to be changed on a weekly basis.

Requirements to change the Smartsite®

  1. BLUE TRAY OR EQUIVALENT
  2. APRON
  3. PAIR OF NON STERILE GLOVES
  4. SMARTSITE® INJECTION CAP
  5. ALCOHOL HAND RUB
  6. ALCOHOL 70% & CHLORHEXIDINE 2% WIPES

Procedure

DO NOT TOUCH KEY PARTS- DISCARD IF CONTAMINATED

  1. Wash and dry hands
  2. Clean tray inside and out with alcohol 70% & chlorhexidine 2% and allow to dry
  3. Put on apron
  4. Apply alcohol hand rub and allow to dry for 30 seconds
  5. Put on non sterile glovesDO NOT LOOSEN OR REMOVE THE SMARTSITE® UNLESS THE CATHETER HAS BEEN CLAMPED
  6. Remove the old Smartsite® and clean the end of the line with an alcohol 70% & chlorhexidine 2%, allow to dry for 30 seconds
  7. Remove paper cover from the Smartsite® and attach to the intravenous catheter. Gently turn the Smartsite® until resistance is met. Ensure the connection is secure and there is no possibility of it coming apart
  8. The intravenous catheter must remain clamped until the catheter is to be used again
  9. If the intravenous catheter is not to be used immediately, tape the catheter to the chest with the injection site in the upright position or place in protective pocket, above the level of the heart to prevent flashback of blood