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I fully agree that a pump should always be used with IVIG but have no research. Have you checked with the companies that make the products? the instructions have such specific guidelines for rate of flow they may have information that they based the rates on.

If you find out - let us all know.

 I think the evidence that you seek is in the drug package insert about the need for rate control due to the side effects being rate dependent. Put that together with the accuracy rating for regular roller clamps being +/- 25% while pumps have an accuracy rating of 5%. I have not seen any published studies about use of infusion pumps for this or any other specific drug. This is a facility specific decision based on the drug information. So you probably will not find the specific study that you are seeking simply because it has not been conducted. Lynn

I understand IVIG is incompatible with NS.  Does anyone know how it is incompatible or what happens?  My dept. does IVIG infusions and have been flushing short term peripheral catheter with a NS syringe prior to IVIG. We do not have NS as a secondary line.  Is this acceptable?  How are other facilities using NS and D5W? 

Thank you,

Dawn

Dawn,  I take a 25ML bag of D5 with me when I infuse Gamunex.  Access the port and flush with 10ML NS then 10ML D5, infuse then flush with another 10ML D5 followed by10ML NS and lock with 5ML heparin 100Unit/ML.  Prior to my infusing this patient other agencies were only flushing this pt. with NS and his port was pretty sluggish but works fantastic since I have been using the D5 for the past 5 years on it.  Hope this helps.  And from the IVIG chart I have not all IVIG is incompatible with NS such as Octagam which the line can be flushed with either NS or D5.  Always check what the manufacure recommends.  I hope this helps.  I am a field infusion RN with no affiliation with any vendors or drug companies.  Valorie