Avstick User Guide

Accessible text version. This page presents the setup, flushing, vein-replacement, cleaning, charging, and battery information from the manufacturer's user manual in a structured text format. Use Avstick only under your simulation-lab instructor's supervision.

Customer assistance

Customer Assistance: 302-562-2110
Technical Support: 302-562-2040
Support email: support@avkin.com

Welcome to Avstick

Blood flow: Once the device is turned on, simulated blood flows through the veins. This supports blood collection and IV-fluid insertion practice.
Simulated blood: Avkin simulated blood has antimicrobial properties to reduce mold growth if blood remains in the device overnight or for a longer period.
Sensory feedback: The simulated participant feels a light vibration when the needle punctures the Smart Skin layer. Learners also receive feedback through the participant's reactions.
Replaceable tubing: Replacement latex tubing is available in large tubing size and small tubing size.

What is included

Avstick wearable arm for use with standardized participants.
One control bag containing the simulated-blood bag, pump, and electronics.
Two half-filled 500 mL bags of simulated blood.
Battery charger.
Vein-replacement kit with five replacement latex veins: three large and two small.

Getting started

Before setup, watch the manufacturer's instructional video available through the customer portal or supplied USB.

Hang the control bag from the hospital bed using the S-hook stored in the side pocket.
Diagram description: The S-hook extends from the top of the control bag and rests over the bed rail so the bag hangs vertically.
Connect the tubing and electrical connection from the control bag to the wearable arm.
Diagram description: The paired connectors from the bag align with the matching tubing and electrical leads at the wrist end of the wearable sleeve.
Put the wearable arm on the simulated participant's left arm, wrapping from the top of the hand to the antecubital region inside the elbow. If the participant cannot comfortably fit inside the sleeve, secure the device using only the straps.
Diagram description: The sleeve runs along the back of the left hand and forearm. Closure straps wrap around the hand, wrist, mid-forearm, and upper forearm.
Position the Drain stopcock for use.
Diagram description: The stopcock handle is turned so flow follows the connected tubing while the capped drain branch remains closed.
Position Stopcock A for use.
Diagram description: Stopcock A is the connector between the control-bag tubing and the wearable-arm tubing.
Ensure the stopcocks on the simulated-blood bag are open.
Turn on the battery in the back pocket of the control bag. When first shipped, the battery may need to be connected before it can be turned on.

IV bag fill guidance

For inserting IV fluids, fill the IV bag to 100 mL.
For drawing blood, fill the IV bag to 400 mL.
For general IV practice, fill the IV bag to 200 mL.

To remove the IV bag, disconnect it at the stopcocks.

Diagram description: The IV bag has two lower outlet ports connected to tubing. Disconnect the tubing at the stopcock connectors below the bag.

Flush the system

Important: Flush the system before disconnecting the silicone tubing from the latex tubing inside the Avstick sleeve.

Position the Drain stopcock and remove the cap from its open-air branch.
Turn on the battery to pump air into the system.
Pump until the air bubble reaches Stopcock A, then turn off the pump. Do not allow the air bubble to move beyond Stopcock A toward the wearable arm.
Diagram description: The safe stopping point is the tubing immediately below Stopcock A; the source manual marks this boundary with a red dotted line.
Close Stopcock A.
Disconnect the tubing from the wearable arm at Stopcock A.
Place the disconnected tubing end into a sink or bowl.
Connect a 30 mL syringe filled with distilled water to the Drain stopcock.
Turn on the battery and let the pump draw water from the syringe. Disconnect the syringe immediately when it is empty.
Keep the battery on until the tubing is mostly clear of simulated blood, then turn the pump off. A small amount of remaining blood is acceptable; Avkin simulated blood is antimicrobial and should dissolve during the next use.
Reconnect the tubing to Stopcock A and keep Stopcock A closed for storage.
Replace the Drain-stopcock cap and return the Drain stopcock to its original position.
After flushing, disconnect the latex veins for replacement if needed.

Replace the veins

Flush the system before replacing the veins.

Release the hook-and-loop straps from the buckles and unzip both sides of the sleeve.
After opening both sides, remove the hook-and-loop flap at the knuckles.
Cut and remove the zip ties and luer connectors from the ends of the existing latex tubing.
Remove the latex tubing by pulling both sides toward the knuckles.
Starting at the knuckles, guide new latex tubing through each pathway. Smaller tubing creates a more challenging practice experience. If needed, use hemostats to draw tubing through an opening without damaging it.
Diagram description: Two tubing paths begin at the hand end of the sleeve and run lengthwise through separate channels toward the upper arm.
Apply a small amount of mineral oil or hand sanitizer to the tip of each luer connector, insert the connector into the tubing, and secure it with a zip tie.

Care and maintenance

Daily maintenance

Clean the silicone skin with a damp, lint-free cloth.
After it dries, dust the silicone with baby powder to reduce tackiness.
After each day of use, flush the system with air or distilled water.
Replace latex tubing when necessary.
Store the device with Stopcock A closed.

Cleaning products

Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, or use Sani-Cloth wipes, on the silicone.
For light- and medium-skin-tone devices, dust the dry silicone with baby powder or cornstarch.
For dark-skin-tone devices, dust the dry silicone with a mixture of baby powder or cornstarch and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Do not get electronic components wet.

Charging and battery life

Connect the charger to the battery pack in the front pocket of the control bag.

Charge products for at least eight hours before use.
Recharge products every three months to maintain battery life.
Estimated Avstick battery life under continuous use: 7.5 hours.