Fresenius Kabi Agilia SP, Technical Manual

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105
Precautions for the use of extension sets

Use extension sets which have the smallest internal volume or
“deadspace” to minimize residual volumes between the syringe
and the patient when administering medications or fluids at low
infusion rates (e.g., less than 5mL per hour, and especially flow
rates less than 0.5 mL per hour). This reduces the amount of
time it takes for fluid to reach the patient, maintains delivery
accuracy, and reduces occlusion detection times.
For example:
- Tubing internal diameter: Small bore or microbore tubing is
recommended when infusing at low rates
- Tubing length: Tubing length should be minimized, when
possible
- Filters: Internal volume (deadspace) of in-line filters should be
minimized
- Connection sites: The number of connection sites such as
stopcocks and Y-sites should be limited, and high risk or life-
sustaining solutions should be connected as close to the
intravenous access site as possible.

Avoid use of extension sets with ports containing high pressure
valves. High pressure valves require additional pressure (e.g.,
50-200 mmHg) to open and allow fluid flow. These high pressure
valves may cause a significant delay in therapy followed by a
sudden bolus once the valve is opened, particularly at low
infusion rates (e.g., less than 5 mL per hour, and especially flow
rates less than 0.5 mL per hour).