Abbott FreeStyle Navigator User Manual page 157

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17 Appendix A: Site Maintenance
Introduction
Careful site selection, preparation, and maintenance can help to lower the risk of infection and
improve sensor adhesion. In addition to site selection, a number of helpful products are available.
Site Selection
Site rotation helps prevent discomfort, irritation, bruising, skin rashes, and sensitivity to adhesives. It
is important for you to rotate across several sites and to insert sensors only in the abdomen or in the
back of the upper arm. ALWAYS change the insertion site each time a new sensor is used.
Rotating the sites in a predictable pattern may help you remember to rotate them evenly. For example,
you may want to start in the upper-right corner of your abdomen, and then move one inch to the left
when you insert a new sensor, continuing in a circular direction. Or, you may want to start on the
right arm at a high position, move to a low position on the right arm, then repeat on the left arm.
Helpful products
Choose from the list of products below as needed.
• Antiseptics – If you tend to develop infections at the sensor insertion site, consider prepping the
skin with an antiseptic. Ask your healthcare team to recommend which antiseptic is best for you.
• Dressings – If you are having trouble with the sensor support mount sticking to your skin, consider
applying a bandage over the transmitter. A variety of such bandages are available at your local
pharmacy. Ask your healthcare team to recommend which type of bandage is best for you.
• Adhesive enhancers – If you're having trouble getting the sensor support mount to stick to your
skin, you may want to try an adhesive enhancer. Adhesive enhancers help the adhesive pad on the
sensor support mount stick to your skin. After applying this type of product, be sure that the sensor
insertion site is thoroughly dry before placing the sensor support mount on your skin. Ask your
healthcare team to recommend which adhesive enhancer is best for you.
• Skin barriers – If you experience sensitivity to adhesives, there are products that may help prevent
irritation or sensitivity by placing a barrier between your skin and the sensor support mount's
adhesive pad. These products may also help the adhesive stick better. Be sure to allow the skin to dry
thoroughly before inserting the sensor or applying another tape or dressing. Ask your healthcare
team to recommend which skin barrier product is best for you.
END OF Section 17
Section 17
Appendix A: Site Maintenance
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