How do you define "piggyback"?

[MunoRN]

I've noticed there is a wide range of definitions for "piggyback" where I work, which is sort of a problem since our IV policies refer to "piggyback" IV's numerous times.

Is it just where I work, or is there a more universally agreed upon definition out there?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

MunoRN said:

Can you prime the secondary line by backflushing or flush the line after an infusion using the primary fluid?

You can backprime the secondary line, though I'm not sure why you would?

As for flushing the line after the secondary infusion ... remember, the main fluid has been running the whole time and continues to run, so no flushing necessary.

[MunoRN, RN]

Altra said:

You can backprime the secondary line, though I'm not sure why you would?

As for flushing the line after the secondary infusion ... remember, the main fluid has been running the whole time and continues to run, so no flushing necessary.

We usually backprime the secondary line to avoid wasting what may already be a small volume of medication by using the "squirt in the the garbage can" technique.

While I can see how the line would be flushed below the level of the primary to secondary connection, aside from being able to deliver the remaining medication in the line, being the able to flush secondary line above that connection offers the advantage of being able to use the same secondary line for multiple medications, even incompatible ones, so that you aren't unnecessarily repeatedly opening an otherwise closed system.

[Perpetual Student]

Altra said:

As in the pump pictured here ... the secondary/piggyback/pick your term is in the tubing connected to the blue syringe port. It can be programmed so that the main line continues to run while the secondary is also infusing, so long as the total volume of the two combined does not exceed some limit ... 500mL/hr., I think.

Sorry about the delay in replying, but Altra answered perfectly. The pictured pump is what we use.