Related Experiment Videos
Accuracy of drug infusion pumps under computer control
S B Connor1, T J Quill, J R Jacobs
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27706.
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Computer-controlled drug delivery systems using automated infusion pumps demonstrated accurate volumetric output within +/- 5% even with rapid rate changes. This validates their reliability in demanding clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Automated drug infusion systems utilize microcomputers and infusion pumps for precise drug delivery.
- Computer-controlled drug delivery often requires rapid changes in infusion rates, exceeding typical clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the volumetric accuracy of commercial infusion pumps under high-frequency rate changes.
- To assess the performance of infusion pumps in demanding computer-controlled applications.
Main Methods:
- Three commercially available infusion pumps were evaluated over 2-hour periods.
- Infusion rates were algorithmically altered every 5, 10, or 15 seconds.
- Volumetric accuracy was determined using gravimetric analysis.
Main Results:
- All tested infusion pumps maintained volumetric accuracy within approximately +/- 5% of the expected output.
- This accuracy was consistent across all tested rapid infusion rate intervals.
- The observed accuracy meets the nominal performance standards for these devices.
Conclusions:
- Commercially available infusion pumps exhibit reliable volumetric accuracy even during frequent, rapid rate adjustments.
- These findings support the use of such pumps in advanced computer-controlled intravenous infusion applications.
- Infusion pump accuracy is maintained within acceptable clinical margins under demanding conditions.