Infusion Pump Technical Specifications and Selection Guide

Clinical Summary: Infusion pumps deliver controlled amounts of fluids, medications, and nutrients to patients. This guide covers types, technical specifications, safety features, and selection criteria for hospital, ambulatory, and home infusion applications.

Infusion Pump Classifications

Large Volume Pumps (LVP)

• Peristaltic Pumps: Use rotating rollers to compress tubing
• Cassette-Based Pumps: Disposable cassettes with integrated flow control
• Piston-Driven Pumps: Mechanical piston for precise volume delivery

Syringe Pumps

• Single-Channel: One syringe capacity, high precision
• Multi-Channel: Multiple syringes for complex regimens
• Neonatal/Pediatric: Ultra-low flow rates for small patients

Ambulatory Pumps

• Elastomeric: Disposable, no power required
• Electronic Ambulatory: Battery-powered for home use
• PCA Pumps: Patient-controlled analgesia delivery

Technical Specifications

Flow Rate Parameters

Pump Type	Flow Range	Accuracy
Large Volume	0.1-999 mL/hr	± 5%
Syringe (Adult)	0.1-1200 mL/hr	± 2%
Syringe (Neonatal)	0.01-99 mL/hr	± 2%
PCA	0.1-10 mL/dose	± 5%

Occlusion Detection

• Downstream (Distal): 2-15 psi adjustable threshold
• Upstream (Proximal): -2 to -10 psi detection
• Detection Time: Varies with flow rate, typically <30 seconds at high flow

Safety Features

Essential Safety Systems

• Air-in-Line Detection: Ultrasonic sensors detect air bubbles >50 microliters
• Free-Flow Prevention: Mechanical anti-free-flow protection
• Drug Library (DERS): Dose Error Reduction Software with hard/soft limits
• Battery Backup: Minimum 4-hour operation on internal battery
• Audible/Visual Alarms: Occlusion, air, low battery, empty container

Smart Pump Technology

• Drug Libraries: Pre-programmed concentration and dose limits
• Barcode Scanning: Medication verification at bedside
• EMR Integration: Auto-documentation of infusion data
• Wireless Connectivity: Central monitoring and library updates

Regulatory Requirements

• FDA Class II: 510(k) premarket notification required
• IEC 60601-2-24: Particular requirements for infusion pumps
• IEC 62304: Medical device software lifecycle requirements
• Interoperability Standards: IEEE 11073 for device communication

Selection Criteria by Clinical Area

Critical Care/ICU

• Multiple simultaneous infusions (4-8 channels)
• Syringe pump capability for vasoactive medications
• Tight occlusion pressure settings
• Central monitoring integration

General Medical/Surgical

• Large volume pumps for maintenance fluids
• Drug library with unit-specific medications
• Pole-mounted or modular systems
• Easy programming interface

Oncology/Chemotherapy

• Multi-channel for complex protocols
• Secondary infusion capability
• Enhanced drug library with chemotherapy agents
• Weight-based dosing calculations

Maintenance Requirements

• Preventive Maintenance: Per manufacturer schedule (typically annual)
• Flow Accuracy Testing: Verification with calibrated flow analyzer
• Occlusion Alarm Testing: Confirm proper alarm function
• Software Updates: Drug library and firmware maintenance
• Electrical Safety: Ground integrity and leakage current testing

Related Resources

• Diagnostic Equipment Maintenance & Calibration
• Safe Injection Practices
• Standards Hub – FDA and IEC requirements