Infusion pumps

9.1 Pumps used at UCLH


In addition to the generic pumps described below, there is a number of special purpose pumps in use in specific clinical areas (e.g. the Cane ApoGo pump used for the administration of apomorphine in Parkinson’s disease). These specialised pumps must be used only for their intended application; they must not be used as general purpose devices.


9.2 Volumetric pumps


These are the preferred pumps for medium- and large-volume infusions, although some are designed specifically to operate at low flow rates for neonatal use. The rate is selected in millilitres per hour (usual range 1–999 mL/hour). Typically, most volumetric pumps are accurate to ±5% at rates down to 5 mL/hour. A syringe pump should be used for rates lower than 5 mL/hour. Volumetric pumps require the use of an administration set matched to the pump.


Volumetric pumps are used to administer a wide range of fluids and medicines, including standard hydration fluids such as sodium chloride 0.9%, medicines that need administration at a controlled rate, such as iron sucrose complex (Venofer), and intravenous nutrition.


9.3 Syringe pumps

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Mar 14, 2017 | Posted by in PHARMACY | Comments Off on Infusion pumps

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access