Life/form®Venatech IM and SubQ
General Operation Instructions
The Life/form® Venatech IM and SubQ
Simulator fits on the area of the deltoid
muscle as well as the vastus lateralis,
rectus femoris, ventrogluteal, and dor-
sogluteal areas for realism. Because
there is fluid in vessels within the
simulated tissue, there is an actual
possibility of seeing simulated blood
in the hub of the needle on aspira-
tion. Students will be able to use criti-
cal thinking skills they have learned
through didactic training and put
those skills to use in clinical simula-
tion. Students will also learn essential
patient communication skills, such
as explaining the procedure to the
patient, asking them to relax, etc.
Although this trainer will provide you
with long trouble-free usage, the skin
and veins can be easily replaced.
Simply peel off the old skin to reveal
the foam muscle pad and “core” with
veins, then remove old veins. After
installing replacement veins and skin,
you literally have a brand new trainer.
The life of the replaceable skin and
veins will be prolonged by utilizing
small needle sizes (20- to 25-gauge,
for example). If instruction with larger
needle size is required, this can be
done; however, the skin and veins will
need replacing sooner. Skin and vein
kits are available through Nasco (see
list of supplies).
Trainer Setup
1. In a small container, mix a few
granules of synthetic blood with
1⁄2cup of water. Stir to dissolve the
concentrate. Note: Trainer comes
with enough blood concentrate for
several uses.
2. Using the 20 cc syringe included
in the kit, fill syringe with synthetic
blood. Next, open both stopcocks
at the end of each “vein.” Screw
the syringe into one of the stop-
cocks, then charge the veins until
fluid runs out of the end of the
other vein. Close the stopcock on
the vein from which the fluid ran
out. Remove the syringe and close
the stopcock.
3. Using the hook-and-loop strap pro-
vided, attach device to area where
IM or SubQ injection skills will be
taught. For hip region, attach hook-
and-loop extension strap included
in kit.
4. Insert needle into “tissue” and
aspirate. If simulated blood
appears in the hub of the needle,
the procedure has been done
incorrectly. Student should remove
needle and start procedure from
beginning.
Care of the Trainer
After each class use, flush “blood” out
of veins with tap water. Remove skin
and foam “tissue” from the base of
the device. Rinse the foam if needed
to remove synthetic blood, then
allow to air dry. Once the foam is dry,
replace skin and foam pieces back
onto the base of the device and store
in box. Note: Be sure the trainer is dry
and excess water is drained from the
veins before storing.
Ordinary soil can be removed from
the skin by washing with soap and
warm water. Newsprint or similar
printed paper or plastic will perma-
nently stain the trainer if prolonged
contact occurs. Stubborn stains may
be removed with Nasco Cleaner
(LF09919U) by dispensing it on the
area and wiping with a soft cloth or
paper towel.
