This information explains a change in how we set up the tubing for your intravenous (IV) chemotherapy (chemo) or biotherapy treatment. Biotherapy is also called immunotherapy.
In the past, our pharmacists got your treatment and tubing ready. They attached the tubing to the bag with your treatment and let the treatment fill the tubing. Filling the tubing with treatment is called priming the tubing.
Now, your nurse will attach the tubing to the bag and prime it. The way they’ll prime the tubing is called circle priming.
What is circle priming?
Circle priming is a way to set up your IV chemo or biotherapy tubing. With circle priming, your nurse will connect both ends of the tubing to the bag with your treatment. The tubing might be longer than before.
Your nurse will let your treatment flow from the bag through the tubing until the tubing is full. Both ends of the tubing are attached to the bag. Your nurse can be sure none of your treatment spills.
Why does my tubing need to be circle primed?
We may set up your tubing using circle priming if:
- Your treatment comes in 250 milliliters (mL) or less. Circle priming makes it easier for your nurse to make sure you get all your treatment. 250 mL is about 1 cup.
- You’re getting a treatment that can cause a reaction or that you had a reaction to in the past. Circle priming makes it easier for your nurse to see exactly when your treatment goes into your body. This helps them watch for a reaction and take care of you.
Will I still have an infusion pump?
Yes. Your nurse will still use an infusion pump to give you your treatment.
If your treatment comes in 250 mL or less, your nurse will use the infusion pump twice. The first time will be to give you your treatment. After that, they will use the infusion pump to flush your IV line before they disconnect it. This helps make sure you get all your treatment, but it might make your appointment a little longer.