Infusion
Nursing Notes
By Nufactor

Infusion Nursing Notes by Nufactor provides education, resources and support to promote successful patient therapy within the infusion nursing community.

Lyophilized Powder IVIG: Dilution, Reconstitution, and Pooling

15. February 2017 Derrek Blake Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

By Derrek Blake, RN, IgCN, and Joe DiStefano, RPh.

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is available as either a liquid or lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Initially only powder products were available, requiring reconstitution before administration. Over time, manufacturers changed their manufacturing process to achieve stability of the IgG molecules in a suspended or liquid state. By doing so, the task of reconstitution has been eliminated, making the powder products relatively obsolete. Depending on the brand, IVIG liquid is available in 5% and 10% concentrations. Depending on the brand, IVIG powder is reconstituted to yield a concentration between 3% and 12%. [More]

Part One of Two. Types of Central Catheters used for IVIG, Assessment, Care, and Complications

5. October 2016 Derrek Blake Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

By Derrek Blake, RN, IgCN.

It is essential all nurses know how to properly evaluate, access, and provide proficient central line care. NuFactor provides IVIG therapy to patients in the home and while the majority of these patients receive IVIG via a peripheral IV, there are some patients who receive IVIG via a PICC line or an implanted port (such as Port-a-Cath brand). We as nurses must be competent and comfortable providing care to these patients with a central catheter. While central catheters can be slightly confusing to a nurse who may only see one central catheter a year, this post will help you understand the differences between central catheters used and how to provide the proper care for each. [More]