Desferal Supplies

Alcohol Pads This is very important because it helps to keep vials sterile. Different companies make alcohol pads and there are two sizes available (small and large). Alcohol pads can also be bought over the counter at a neighborhood drug store.

Straight Needle or Filter Needle These needles are used to draw out the sterile water and Desferal from the vials into the syringe. They come in many different sizes. You don't want one too small because it becomes difficult to draw back the water and Desferal. On the other hand, you don't want one so big that it causes the sterile water and Desferal to leak out of the vials. The most commonly used size is a 27-inch gauge needle.

Sub-cutaneous (Sub-Q) Needle Set There are a variety of choice of sizes and angles of the needle. You should try a few of them because the one you use is a matter of personal preference.

Some choices include:

1. Straight needle:This needle requires that you stick it in at an angle; often it is helpful to create a 'pillow' with some guaze and place it under the needle to cushion and brace it.
   
2. 27 inch gauge straight butterfly needle:This requires you to stick it in at an angle and is placed under the skin.
   
3. "Thumbtack" or "Button": This type has a 27 inch gauge and is already angled at 90 degrees which goes straight down into the skin. This type of sub-Q set is made by Baxter.
   
4. Douglas needle: This needle is at a 90 degree angle as well and has a butterfly-like yellow handle. It is a little longer in length than the thumbtack but thinner in width.
   
5. Chronimed:This needle is 27 guage and resembles the button needle, but is shorter in length.
   
6. MiniMed Sof-set Infusion Set: This needle has not been as widely used until recently. It has a 27 inch gauge, the handle is clear in color and is shaped like a butterfly for easier grasp. The needle is removed after insertion, leaving a tiny plastic catheter under the skin for infusion. Some children prefer this set because the needle does not remain in the skin.
7. Clinipur ( also known as ThalaSet):   this 90 degree infusion set is a 27 gauge silicone-coated stainless steel needle available in 6, 8 and 10mm length needles.   It has a special flexible finger grab for virtual painless insertion, easy positioning and lies completely flat against your skin during use.   The hypoallergenic adhesive eliminates the need for an extra dressing and the cotton backing has a see-through window for visual inspection of the site.

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