Injection Cap Change (The James)

Injection Cap Change (The James)

 

The injection cap on each opening or lumen of your catheter needs to be changed to prevent infection. This care may be done by a caregiver or nurse. Your nurse will work with you and your family to teach you how to care for the catheter.

 

Change The Cap(s):

  • Every 7 days; If your catheter is flushed weekly, change the cap the same day the catheter is flushed.
  • Anytime the cap leaks or is damaged.
  • With every new bag of IV Nutrition.
  • If blood is seen in the cap.
  • As directed by your care team.

NOTE: Do not reuse old or used caps. Do not reuse port protectors.

 

Supplies:

For each lumen, you will need:

  • 1 sterile injection cap
  • 1 alcohol pad
  • Saline syringe
  • Gloves
  • Disinfectant household cleaner spray or a disinfectant cleaner wipe
  • Paper towels, if using spray cleaner
  • Port protector (such as Curos), if used

 

Follow These Steps

1. Prepare your work area by cleaning the surface with disinfectant cleaner. Let the surface area completely dry.

2. Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Put the supplies on the clean surface. Gloves should be worn. They do not need to be sterile gloves.

4. If your catheter has a clamp, be sure it is closed.

5. Open the new injection cap package. Do not touch the end of the cap where the sterile saline syringe will be attached.

6. Pick up the new injection cap from the package. Attach the syringe with the saline flush solution to the new cap. Push on the plunger slowly to fill the cap with the saline.

7.Clean the area where the catheter and the injection cap are joined with an alcohol pad for 15 to 30 seconds. Allow to dry.

 


8. Unscrew and remove the old injection cap.

9. Pull the cover off the other end of the new injection cap. This is the end that will connect to the catheter.

10. Screw the new injection cap onto the catheter. Be careful not to touch the connecting end of the injection cap.

11. Flush through each new injection cap.

12. If you use a port protector, put a new port protector on each injection cap.

13. Clean your work area and throw away any used supplies. 

14. Wash your hands again with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 


© November 15, 2023. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.  

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.