7. Can the ON-Q* pump be used on patients with
latex sensitivity?
The pump does not contain natural rubber latex
in the fluid pathway. The PVC bag that surrounds
the pump membranes prevents latex from coming
into contact with the skin. Refer to Latex Sensitivity
Technical Bulletin on www.myON-Q.com.
8. What is the pump shelf life?
Approximately 2.5 years. Product expiration dating
is on the product label designated by this icon.
9. What medication should be used in the ON-Q*
pump?
A local anesthetic of the physician’s choice. Drug
manufacturer dosage guidelines should be followed.
Vasoconstrictors such as Epinephrine are not
recommended for continuous infusion. I-Flow, LLC*
has performed stability testing on bupivacaine HCI,
lidocaine HCI and ropivacaine HCI. Refer to Technical
Bulletins on Drug Stability.
10. Can other medications be added to the local
anesthetic in the ON-Q* pump?
I-Flow*has performed stability testing on bupivacaine
with other medications in the pump including
mixtures of bupivacaine/antibiotics, bupivacaine/
ketrolac, bupivacaine/ketrolac/morphine and
bupivacaine/dexamethasone. Refer to Technical
Bulletins. I-Flow does not make any specific
recommendations regarding the use of these
protocols with ON-Q*.
11. How is the pump filled?
Pump should be filled in the pharmacy using aseptic
technique. Pumps are packaged with a 60 ml
syringe for filling and larger volume models include
an extension set. Electronic filling devices may also
be used. Pre-fill programs are available. Consult your
ON-Q*representative for further information.
12. How much medication does the device hold?
A variety of sizes are available, providing dosing
flexibility. Depending on the model selected,
the pump may hold from 100 ml up to 750 ml of
medication. Infusion times range from 12 hours to
5 days or longer depending on the model and fill
volume selected. Refer to the model specific
product insert for delivery time information.
13. What happens if the pump does not fill evenly?
The pump may fill unevenly; this is normal and
should not cause concern. One side of the pump
may completely fill and then the other side begins
to expand.
14. How can I tell if the pump is infusing?
The medication infuses at a slow rate. A change in
the size of the pump will not be noticed on an hourly
basis. It may take longer than 24 hours to notice a
change in the appearance of the pump. Over time
the outside bag will become loose and creases will
form in the bag. If the patient is getting good pain
relief the pump should be infusing as expected.
15. What is the accuracy of flow delivery?
Delivery accuracy is ±15% of the labeled infusion rate
(± 20% for Select-A-Flow*models)
16. What is the size of the in-line filter?
The size of the filter(s) is 1.2 micron particulate and
0.02 micron air-eliminating filter.
17. Are there any factors that affect flow rate?
ON-Q*is calibrated for the flow restrictor to be in
contact with the patient’s skin. Care should be taken
to ensure that this portion of the tubing is secured
to the patient’s skin and that it is not near any cold
therapy devices. If the restrictor is away from the
body, the medication will infuse at a slower than
expected flow rate. Also, do not tape over the filter
vent. Underfilling or overfilling will also affect the flow
rate. ON-Q* with ONDEMAND*and Select-A-Flow*
features are calibrated to room temperature and
should be worn outside the clothing.
18. Is ON-Q* compatible with MRI?
ON-Q*products, excluding the E-Clip accessory
and the carrying case, are deemed MR safe or MR
conditional up to a 3- Tesla magnetic field. I-Flow
recommends removing the E-Clip and the carrying
case, if present, from the pump prior to MR testing.
Refer to Technical Bulletin on MRI compatibility with
ON-Q* at www.myON-Q.com.
19. Can patients shower with the ON-Q* pump?
Physician’s instructions should be followed.
Precautions should be taken to protect the
catheter site and pump from water.
20. Can the ON-Q* pump be refilled?
No. The device is for single use and is disposable.
21. Is there 24 hour product support?
Yes. A Product Support Hotline staffed by Clinicians
is available 24/7. Contact 800.444.2728.
