ON-Q* is a brand name of a continuous infusion pump that delivers medication
(such as local anesthetic) to or around surgical wound sites and/or in close
proximity to nerves for preoperative and postoperative regional anesthesia and/or
pain management.
2. Is the ON-Q* continuous infusion pump also indicated for epidural use?
The ON-Q* pump may also be used for epidural applications. Refer to the Directions
For Use for specific information on epidural use.
3. Will ON-Q* continuous infusion pump provide better pain relief than narcotics alone?
By adding the ON-Q* pump to a patient’s post-surgical pain treatment, patients will get better pain
relief than with narcotics alone. When the ON-Q* pump is used with narcotics, it reduces the amount
of narcotics needed to relieve pain following surgery. Key studies from various surgical specialties were
submitted as clinical evidence validating these indications. Some clinical studies have also demonstrated
reduced length of stay, which may result in decreased costs, increased patient satisfaction; and a quicker
return to normal function.
4. How does the pump work?
The pump consists of a multi-layer membrane with a protective PVC cover. The strain of the elastomeric
membrane provides positive pressure of approximately 10 PSI (500 mmHg). A flow controller regulates the
flow rate. The pump is portable and may be placed in a carrying case or clipped to the patient’s clothing.
PUMPSFAQs
5. What ON-Q* pump models are available?
Currently there are four pump models:
• ON-Q*: flow restricting orifice controls the flow rate. Flow rate is fixed and cannot be changed.
Also available in dual and triple site configurations.
• ON-Q* with ONDEMAND*: delivers a continuous infusion (basal) and also incorporates a bolus device
that allows fixed boluses to be delivered on demand.
• ON-Q* with Select-A-Flow*: incorporates a controller that allows the user to adjust the flow rate within
a pre-determined range designated on the device. Also available in dual site configuration.
• ON-Q* with Select-A-Flow* and ONDEMAND*: includes an adjustable rate controller and a bolus device.
6. What is the material in the elastomeric membranes?
The pump consists of three layers:
• The inner layer is a synthetic thermoplastic elastomer which contains the drug and does not
contain natural rubber latex.
• The middle layer is composed of natural rubber latex.
• The outer protective layer is PVC.
The natural rubber layer does not come into human contact.
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.
22. Is there reimbursement for ON-Q* products?
There are CPT codes for Continuous Nerve Blocks,
which include the following:
64449 Continuous Lumbar Plexus
I-Flow* has materials and programs to assist with
reimbursement. Please ask your rep for more
information about our Reimbursement Hotline for
any questions on coding and billing policies.
23. Where can I find more information on the ON-Q*
catheters?
For complete product information, always refer to the
product literature that comes with the device.
24. Where can I find updates on ON-Q* products?
For technical bulletins and a list of supporting studies
visit www.myON-Q.com.
ON-Q* pump with ONDEMAND* bolus button
1. What are the features of the ONDEMAND* device?
ONDEMAND* is a bolus device that allows patients
the option of giving an extra 5 ml of medication in
addition to the continuous basal rate.
2. How does temperature affect the ONDEMAND*
bolus device?
The restrictors are inside the ONDEMAND* device.
The ONDEMAND* device should not be in skin
contact, as it is calibrated to room temperature.
The bolus should be worn outside the patient’s
clothing and may be clipped to the carrying case
for convenient access.
3. Does the ONDEMAND* device have a
lockout feature?
Depending on the model, the ONDEMAND*
bolus button has either a 30 minute or 60 minute
refill. Pressing the bolus button prior to the end
of the refill time will result in a partial bolus dose.
Medication dosing should be based on the
Total Maximum Flow
(bolus + basal)
determined by
your physician.
ON-Q* pump with Select-A-Flow* controller
1. What flow rate ranges are available with the
Select-A-Flow* controller?
Currently there are two flow rate ranges available:
1-7 ml/hr in 1 ml increments and 2-14 ml/hr in 2 ml
increments. The flow rate is adjusted by turning the
rate changing key on the device. There are dual
site Select-A-Flow* configurations also available
with 1-7 ml/hr per site. Medication dosing should
be based on maximum flow rate.
2. What happens if the flow rate is dialed
between settings such as 2-3 ml/hr?
Dial must be aligned with
number and the ml/hr ▼ to
ensure accurate flow rate.
The tactile feel will allow the
user to ensure the selected
flow rate is set.
CAUTION: Flow rate will be
unpredictable if it is dialed
between rate settings.
3. How does temperature affect
the Select-A-Flow* controller?
Temperature will affect the solution
viscosity resulting in a faster or slower flow rate. The
Select-A-Flow* controller should be worn outside
the clothing and kept at room temperature.
4. What about tamper resistance with the
Select-A-Flow* controller?
To discourage tampering, the rate-changing key
may be removed from the dial and put in a place
for safe keeping. The plastic cover over the dial
may be secured with a standard tie wrap.
There are inherent risks in all medical devices. Please refer to the product labeling for Indications, Cautions, Warnings and Contraindications.
Failure to follow the product labeling could directly impact patient safety. Physician is responsible for prescribing and administering medications
per instructions provided by the drug manufacturer. Refer to www.myON-Q.com for product safety Technical Bulletins.
For more information call 800.448.3569/949.206.2700or visit myON-Q.com
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Rx only.
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