What is a McKinley T34 syringe pump?
It is a small, portable, battery-operated pump. It allows medicines to be given continuously under the skin over a 24-hour period.
Why are syringe pumps required?
The syringe pump is an alternative way of delivering medicines to control symptoms.
This may be for pain, sickness or for medicines to help you relax. It may be needed if:
- You are having difficulty swallowing medicines
- You are being sick
- Your symptoms need more control.
The reason will be explained to you by your nurse.
A syringe pump may be used at any stage in your illness and may be discontinued if it is no longer needed.
How does it work?
The nurse will insert a small plastic tube under the skin.
This will be connected by a thin tube to a syringe containing your medicine. The syringe is placed into the syringe pump and a nurse will usually renew the syringe every 24 hours.
The plastic tube will be secured in place with a transparent dressing and will usually only need to be changed every few days.
How will I know if the syringe pump is working properly?
The nurse providing your syringe pump will check it is working before setting it up.
A small light above the ‘ON/OFF’ button will flash green regularly. If it turns red, there is a problem with the syringe pump and you should contact the nurse
as soon as possible.
Who will look after it?
Your nurse will regularly check that the syringe is operating correctly, that the medication prescribed is being administered and that the plastic tube site is comfortable.
They will also show you some simple checks to make sure things are working properly.
What do I do if the syringe pump beeps or an alarm sounds?
If the syringe pump beeps or an alarm sounds the most important thing is not to worry. You do not need to do anything apart from informing your nursing team
as soon as possible, and they will be able to advise you on what to do.
Please do not try to do anything yourself without speaking to your nursing team.
Some dos:
- If you are walking around, you may find it helpful to carry the syringe pump in a small bag or pouch
- When in bed or resting in a chair, the syringe pump can be put on a flat surface, but do not place it at a higher level than the needle/tube site
- Keep mobile phones that are switched on about an arm’s length away, as they may affect the way the syringe pump works
- If you want a bath or shower – ask your nurse for advice.
Some don’ts:
- Do not interfere with the line or syringe pump
- Do not pick up or hold the syringe pump using the syringe
- Do not get the syringe pump wet
- Do not drop the syringe pump
- Do not expose the syringe pump to heat or bright sunlight.
In the event of any of these happening, please contact your nursing team as soon as possible.
Contact your nursing team if:
- You are worried that the syringe pump is not working properly or has been damaged
- The colour of the medicine has changed or become cloudy
- The skin around the needle/tube is red, swollen or painful
- The alarm sounds
- You have other concerns.
First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex.
We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk
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For office use only: Version 1 PFD_ASC014 Publication date: December 2022