Infusion Pump : How To Choose the Best Infusion Pump?

Infusion pumps are the unsung heroes of the medical world that help deliver medication and fluids to patients. Before diving into the details of an infusion pump, let's take a moment to recognise its vital role in the healthcare industry. Without these devices, healthcare professionals and practitioners would not have an efficient and safe way to administer life-saving treatments to their patients. Now, let's explore the ins and outs of infusion pumps and how to choose the best one for your needs.

What is an infusion pump?

An infusion pump is a vital device that delivers fluids, such as medication, nutrients, and blood products, into a patient’s circulation. Infusion pumps are extensively utilised in hospitals, clinics, other healthcare facilities, and home healthcare.

With so many different types of infusion pumps on the market, choosing the one that best meets your requirements can be challenging.

Types of Infusion Pumps

Volumetric and syringe infusion pumps are the most common varieties.

Volumetric Infusion Pumps

Volumetric infusion pumps deliver a predetermined amount of fluid over a specified period of time. Fluids like saline, blood products, and parenteral nutrition are frequently administered with these pumps.

Additionally, they can be used to administer medications that require a slow infusion rate over an extended period.

There are two varieties of volumetric pumps: gravity-fed and electronic.

• Gravity-fed pumps are straightforward devices that rely on gravity to control the fluid flow rate.
• Electronic pumps, on the other hand, utilize an electronic motor to regulate the fluid flow rate.

Syringe Infusion Pumps

Syringe infusion pump, also known as syringe drivers, deliver fluids in small, precise amounts. They are commonly utilized for administering medications such as opioids, insulin, and chemotherapy medicines.

There are different types of syringe pumps: volumetric and peristaltic.

• Volumetric syringe pumps deliver a predetermined volume of fluid over a specified period of time.
• Peristaltic syringe pumps use a series of rollers to propel fluid out of the syringe at a fixed rate.

Syringe Pump Uses

Syringe pumps are widely used in medical settings, both in hospitals and in-home healthcare.

Here are some of the most common uses of syringe pumps:

1. Pain Management: Syringe pumps are commonly used to distribute pain medications, such as opioids, to patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain as part of the pain management process.
2. Insulin Delivery: Syringe pumps are utilized to administer insulin to diabetic individuals. Insulin pumps are devices that administer insulin in measured doses, which can assist patients in maintaining better control of their blood sugar levels.
3. Chemotherapy: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have syringe pumps to administer the chemotherapy medications. It is common practice to give chemotherapy drugs over a prolonged time. Syringe pumps can be of assistance in ensuring that the medication is delivered at a constant rate during this time.

Syringe pump uses are not limited to the above-mentioned points. They can be used for various other medical treatments as well as tests. Syringe pumps are also used for research studies and can be easily bought or accessible to students or professionals in the research field.

TenTabs, an online hospital supplies provider, has a wide range of hospital equipment for healthcare professionals, students/professors/organisations and citizens, including syringe pumps, bp machines, and more. The syringe pump price on the TenTabs website can vary anywhere from 20,000 rupees to 40,000 rupees. Let’s take a look at some of the best-selling infusion pumps available on TenTabs:

 

Pumps	Price
Niscomed Flight 750 Infusion Pump	₹24,160
Beyond Infusion Pump BYS-820 With HD LCD Display	₹22,800
AKAS Syringe Pump (SYRU 4004)	₹32,200

 

Parts of an Infusion Pump

Before we dive into how to choose the best infusion pump, let's take a quick look at the different parts of an infusion pump:

• The amount of fluid infused into the patient is regulated by a component of the infusion pump known as the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism could be electrical or gravity-fed, depending on the kind of pump that is being used.
• The pump component, known as the infusion set, is the portion that connects the pump and the IV line of the patient. It consists of a needle or catheter inserted into the patient's vein and tubing that attaches the needle or catheter to the pump. In some cases, the needle is used instead of the catheter.
• The pump component, known as the user interface, is the component that enables the user to program the pump with the flow rate and amount of fluid that the user desires.

These were a few important parts of an infusion pump. Make sure to understand them before buying and using an Infusion Pump.

How to Choose an Infusion Pump

Choosing the best infusion pump for your specific needs can be daunting, especially with so many different types and models available. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an infusion pump:

1. Type of Pump: As previously mentioned, there are two primary varieties of infusion pumps: volumetric and syringe. When selecting an infusion pump, you should consider your specific requirements and the type of medication you will be administering. If you deliver small, precise quantities of medication, a syringe pump may be the best option. A volumetric pump may be preferable if you administer fluids over an extended period.

2. Flow Rate & Volume: Consider your medication's required discharge rate and volume. Diverse infusion pumps have varying flow rates and volume capacities; therefore, selecting a pump that meets your specific requirements is crucial.

3. Portability: If the infusion device is used in a home healthcare setting, portability may be an important consideration. Consider purchasing a lightweight and portable pump.

4. Ease of Use: Consider the ease of use of the infusion pump. Consider pumps with an intuitive user interface and plain programming and operation instructions.

5. Safety Features: Infusion pumps can be complex devices, so safety features are most important. Consider pumps with alarms and automatic shutoffs to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety.

In addition to these factors, selecting an infusion pump from a reputable manufacturer with a history of reliability and quality is essential.

Also Read - 5 Things to Know About Syringe Infusion Pump

In conclusion, selecting the ideal infusion pump for your needs requires careful consideration of factors such as pump type, flow rate and volume requirements, portability, simplicity of use, and safety features. Whether administering medication in a hospital or at home, selecting the appropriate infusion device is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

TenTabs offers medical equipment such as syringe pumps, bp machines, and more.

At TenTabs, we carry an extensive selection of high-quality infusion pumps and other medical devices, such as nebulizer machines, CPAP machines, syringe pumps, sleep test machines and more