How to Use an I-Port

Some people with diabetes have to give themselves an insulin injection several times throughout the day. If they just take a shot at every meal and one in the evening, that's a minimum of four needle pokes per day. However, there is a new disposable injection port, the I-port, that lasts for 72 hours and reduces the needle stab requirement from 12 in a 3-day period to just one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• I-Port
• Alcohol prep pads

Put in the I-Port

1. Wash hands with soap and water. Wipe skin where you intend to place the I-Port with an alcohol prep pad. Let dry.
2. Take the I-Port out of its packaging. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive pad.
3. Take off the needle guard. Do not touch the insertion needle.
4. Pinch the skin where you want to place the I-Port. Push the insertion needle and cannula into your skin. The cannula is the tiny tube that remains in the skin that the insulin will go through.
5. Press the I-Port against the skin to make sure the insertion needle and cannula are fully inserted.
6. Hold the I-Port in place when you remove the insertion needle.

Use the I-Port

7. Make sure the septum (top rubber cap) is clean each time. Wipe with an alcohol prep pad.
8. Puncture the septum with your insulin needle. Insulin should already be drawn to the right amount. The septum will reseal itself after each use.
9. Inject the medication. It will flow through the cannula. The needle should be no longer than 5/16 inches or 8 mm. The I-Port channel is between you and the needle so you won't feel the poke.
10. Hold the I-Port in place while you remove the needle.
11. Dispose of the needle properly. That's it. No ouchies.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the I-Port every 72 hours and move the new I-Port to a different location on the body.
• Do not use two different types of insulin or medication in the I-Port.
• Do not reinsert an I-Port that has come loose or fallen out. Dispose of it and use a new one.
• If the insertion site gets irritated or inflamed, remove and discard. Apply a new I-Port to a different area on the body.