Infusion Pumps are commonly used in all types of hospitals and medical settings. These highly complex systems administer a variety of medications and fluids to patients on a preset schedule. Providers working in dialysis units, critical care teams and nursing homes use infusion pumps on a daily basis. Below you will find a guide on understanding the common functions of Infusion Pumps and how they are used in medical environments.
What Is an Infusion Pump?
An infusion pump is used to administer exact amounts of fluids and medications to patients over a specific amount of time. This is important for medications that can cause dangerous side effects if given too slowly or too quickly. Nurses program the amount of fluid and the infusion rate into the pump so that the patient receives the correct dosage. The pump sounds an alarm to let the nurse know if there are any problems with the infusion or if the fluid runs low.
The Baxter Flo-Gard 6201 pump is a good example of a basic infusion pump. It can administer a wide variety of fluids and medications including chemotherapy and blood transfusions. The Flo-Gard 6201 can infuse fluids as slowly as 1 mL/hour for infants and very sick patients. It can also give as much as 2 liters of fluid in one hour to patients who have been badly injured. Special sensors in the pump tell the nurse if the IV line becomes kinked, which can happen when patients bend their arm at the IV site.
What are Smart Infusion pumps?
Newer IV pumps have software programs that double-check each infusion to make sure that the dosage is safe for the patient. The nurse is alerted immediately if an infusion is programmed incorrectly so the patient is not harmed. Dosages and infusion rates can even be checked based on the patient’s height and weight. Smart pumps were first used in critical care areas but now they can be found in all types of healthcare settings.
The Baxter Sigma Spectrum smart pump is very small and lightweight, making it ideal for home care and emergency medicine. Paramedics like the Sigma Spectrum because the 6” x 4” unit fits nicely into storage compartments in ambulances and medical helicopters. The battery lasts a long time so the pump does not need to be kept plugged in all the time. The Sigma Spectrum pump only weighs 1.6 lbs so it can be attached to folding IV poles for patients who receive IV medications at home.
The Alaris Medley smart IV pump system is great for critical care because it can run up to 4 different infusions at the same time. Each IV line displays the name, dosage and rate of fluid that is infusing. The Alaris Medley system can infuse medications from IV bags or syringes. A respiratory module can be attached to the IV pump to monitor the patient’s breathing during infusions of narcotic pain medication. If the patient’s breathing becomes too slow, the Alaris Medley system turns down the infusion rate and notifies the nurse.
What are PCA and Syringe pumps?
Healthcare facilities use different types of infusion pumps depending on the needs of their patients. The most common type of infusion pump is for IV fluids. Other types of infusion pumps can be used for special medications. PCA pumps allow patients to self-administer pain medicine after surgery. Patients push a button to receive a small dose of medication without having to ask the nurse. PCA pumps have special programs that make sure that patients receive the right dose safely.
Syringe pumps are used to administer very small amounts of fluid to patients. Instead of drawing fluid from an infusion bag, the pump pushes the plunger of the syringe. Syringe pumps are often used for PCA pumps to give small doses of medication as needed. A 50 mL syringe of medication is inserted into the Alaris Medley PCA module. The patient can push the button on the hand pendant as needed to relieve pain.
Infusion pumps have become an essential part of IV therapy in all types of healthcare settings. They help ensure that the patient receives the correct amount of medication and fluid to prevent complications of therapy.
DiaMedical USA offers a wide variety of infusion pumps for patient care and healthcare training. Browse our large selection of infusion pumps from the most trusted brands, including: Alaris, B. Braun, Baxter, Hospira and Sigma. All pumps come patient-ready and reconditioned by certified technicians, allowing you to save! If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call at 877-593-6011 or contact us here!
