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Baxter elastomeric pumps: Weighing as an alternative to visual inspection.
Ellen L Cusano1, Raafi Ali2, Michael B Sawyer2
11 Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Summary
Weighing Baxter Infusor pumps offers a more accurate method for monitoring 5-fluorouracil (5FU) infusions compared to visual inspection. This validated technique empowers patients and healthcare professionals with objective data, reducing concerns about dosing accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Elastomeric pumps are commonly used for 46-hour infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5FU).
- Current Baxter recommendations advise patients to visually monitor infusion pumps, which can lead to confusion and anxiety regarding accurate dosing.
- Weighing elastomeric pumps has not been previously validated as a monitoring method by Baxter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the accuracy of weighing Baxter Infusor pumps as a method for monitoring 5-fluorouracil (5FU) infusions.
- To assess real-world variability in Baxter Infusor pump performance.
- To compare patient preference between weighing and visual inspection of infusion pumps.
Main Methods:
- Patients receiving 46-hour 5FU infusions returned to the clinic around 24 hours post-initiation.
- Infusion pumps were weighed using a standard kitchen scale, with date, time, and weight recorded.
- Patients were surveyed regarding their preference for pump monitoring methods (weighing vs. visual inspection).
Main Results:
- 103 Baxter Infusor pumps were weighed between 17.25 and 27.5 hours of infusion.
- The majority of pumps (99/103) weighed less than expected, indicating average flow rates within the acceptable 10% variability.
- Among patients with a preference, over twice as many favored pump weighing over visual inspection.
Conclusions:
- Weighing Baxter Infusor pumps using common kitchen scales is a viable and objective alternative to visual inspection.
- Patient education is key to the successful adoption of pump weighing for monitoring 5FU infusions.
- This method can enhance patient confidence and reduce concerns about under- or over-dosing during chemotherapy administration.
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