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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreAs part of your child's treatment, the care team may decide to give your child medicine through a Subcutaneous Tissue Infusion Set. The purpose of the Subcutaneous Tissue Infusion Set is to reduce the number of times your child requires an injection (shot) for medicine.
To place this infusion set, a nurse will place a small needle under the skin’s surface. Your doctor or nurse will explain which medicines to give your child through the set. Not all medicines can be given through a Subcutaneous Tissue Infusion Set.
The nurse will clean the skin and apply a numbing cream before inserting the needle. Then the nurse will place the needle under your child’s skin. There should be no pain when the needle enters the skin. After placing the set, the nurse will cover it with a clear, tape-like cover, called a bio-occlusive dressing.
Do not immerse the infusion set in water. This is important to prevent infection. While the set is in, do not allow your child to swim. Your child can bathe or shower if the set is fully covered. The set cannot come in contact with water.
After the set has been placed, it should not be painful. Usually receiving medicine through the set will not cause pain. If your child has more than mild discomfort, call a clinic doctor or nurse right away.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, drainage or swelling, report these to the clinic doctor or nurse right away.
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Reviewed: August 2022