Not strong enough for new saline bags

[Roadrunner]

Is anyone else using the new saline bags from Fresenius?  I feel like getting out my husbands drill and making a hole before I spike it. 

When I finally get the spike in I can see that the tip is bent over and I was afraid that it would impede the flow but it worked OK.  Is this just the one box I received or is this the new way?  These bags are much clearer than the old ones.  Is anyone else using these?

My husband told me this morning that I am getting muscles.  Spiking and lugging boxes and bags will do that

[Adam_W]

Hmm, I use Baxter saline bags now, but my centre is going to be switching to Fresenius for home supplies. I better start lifting weights to be ready to spike those bags. 

Adam

[kidney4traci]

I have been wanting to have this discussion for awhile too.  These new bags bite!  They are much harder, and I don't know any tricks.  If someome has figured out a tip to getting it to go in, I's love to know how.  I just push but once it's in I do turn it a few times while trying to get it all the way in.  But I did ben one tip so much that I had to throw it our and start over.  I wonder why they switched?

[jbeany]

I keep getting sprayed - I had to start leaving the saline bag flat on the counter until I manage to spike it.  They are horrid, horrid, horrid!  My biggest worry is that I have bent the tip spiking the first bag, and will need another one spiked quickly during a crash and my partner won't be able to do it. I called Fresenious and complained about them - but they are not carrying the others at all anymore.  I wish NxStage would get their act together and start carrying ALL the supplies.  Then we could get things that were meant to work with their system!

[skyedogrocks]

I keep getting sprayed - I had to start leaving the saline bag flat on the counter until I manage to spike it.  They are horrid, horrid, horrid!  My biggest worry is that I have bent the tip spiking the first bag, and will need another one spiked quickly during a crash and my partner won't be able to do it. I called Fresenious and complained about them - but they are not carrying the others at all anymore.  I wish NxStage would get their act together and start carrying ALL the supplies.  Then we could get things that were meant to work with their system!

AMEN!

[cherpep]

Actually, the saline bags changed during my training.  We started with the old ones and then when we opened a new box, it had the new saline bags in it.  My nurse even had a very difficult time putting the spike in, and he's a very strong man.  I have found that laying the bag on top of the NxStage machine (not up on the pole) and twisting the spike in, helps me.  I am able to apply more pressure with the bag at that level, I just didn't have the strength while reaching up.  Heck!  My arms get tired just combing my hair, LOL!

[cherpep]

OK, just because I read this topic last night, I bent the tip of the spike as I was inserting it last night.  I had to throw the whole thing away because I kept getting errors on the NxStage.  Anyhow, I was afraid to bend it again, so I poked it first with one of my pink needles that I use to dray my heparin.  After poking, the spike went in pretty easily.  Good Luck!

[Roadrunner]

I must have gotten a new box of super strong Fresenious saline bags. 

Did the first prime and the tip broke off.  It started to prime and then I got the red 38 error code.  Tried recovering and then called NxStage and they told me to throw away the bag and the cartridge.

Did the second bag and got a red 30 error.  Called NxStage again and was given the same advice.  Thank goodness the third set worked OK.

NxStage told me that they are working on redesigning the tip so this won't happen in the future.  My nurse told me that they were developing replaceable tips so that if this happens you can disconnect the tip and replace it.  We'll wait and see.

When I travel, I guess I need to bring extra supplies JUST IN CASE.

Maybe we need to soften up the bag first

[Adam_W]

I just started using my first shipment of Fresenius bags and OH GEEZE YOU GUYS AREN'T KIDDING!! I literally feel like I need a hydraulic press to get that bloody thing in. I've had one tip bend almost in half, and another time my hand slipped off the bag right as the tip broke through, which promptly popped out again and drenched me and my machine down with saline, and cost me a cartridge and bag. I want my Baxter bags back! I do like the idea of a replaceable tip, though.

Adam

[Lori1851]

Adam,
LOL I read your caption under your pic!!! Hehehehe cute!!!
Loir/Indiana

[alrightstill]

Hmmmm..  I just got a delivery from Fresenius yesterday and I'm still receiving Baxter saline bags..

Is this just a regional thing?   

[petey]

we get our saline bags from Baxter...I don't think I want those from Fresenius.

[Bill Peckham]

Last night I accidentally brushed my hand with the saline spike while going to spike the bag. My hands were freshly washed but I wiped the spike with an alcowipe. The spike has never gone in easier. It was just a single experience, if you try it let us know if wiping the spike tip with alcohol helps. I'll try it again tonight.

[Bill Peckham]

I gave the tip of the saline spike a wipe with alcohol again tonight and it popped right in - anyone else give it a try?

[silverhead]

For those using the "troublesome" new bags, I sure hope Bill's tip helps, We are still using the Baxter bags and I tried the tip last night and for me it did not help, in fact it made it a little more difficult to hold things tightly because my fingers were made a little to slippery....
Tom

[Roadrunner]

I was hoping Bill was right and didn't just get one of the easy bags.

I tried it last night and it still went in hard and still broke the tip but it didn't give any problems.  The bags aren't consistent.  Some go in easily and others are like going through a stone wall.

[Adam_W]

I tried Bill's method and it was a little easier, but like Roadrunner said, they are inconsistent.

Adam

[migaguiar]

The Fresenius bags are horrible.
I have almost broken my thumb trying to insert the plastic needle.

I have new ones from Baxter that are a breeze to poke but have no handle guard to prevent your fingers from slipping onto the plastic needle. 

But i rather have that problem then breaking my thumbs.