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What is an infusion system?

An infusion system is the process by which an infusion device and any associated disposables are used to deliver fluids or drugs in solution to the patient by the intravenous, subcutaneous, epidural or enteral route.

The process comprises:-

Prescription of the fluid or drug;

Healthcare professional Clinicians judgement.

Preparation of the infusion solution;

Always in accordance with Manufacturers instructions/directions.

Selection of the appropriate infusion device;

None, Monitor, Controller, Syringe Driver/Pump, General-purpose/Volumetric Pump, PCA Pump, Ambulatory Pump.

Calculation and setting of the rate of infusion;

Many devices incorporate Dose Calculators to assist with patient weight/drug units and fluid delivery over time calculations.

Monitoring and recording of the actual delivery.

Modern infusion pumps (clever as they are!) require frequent monitoring to ensure that they are delivering the prescribed treatment. Free flow of fluid due to incorrect housing of pump insert or syringe is a common cause of severe over infusion.

Patient Circuits/ Infusion giving pathway Tubing length & diameter; Filters; Taps; Anti-Siphon and Free-Flow prevention Valves; Clamps; catheters all have to be selected/ matched to the infusion system.

Optimal infusion, is the ability to reliably deliver the prescribed drug dose/volume to the patient, at pressures which overcome all baseline and intermittent resistance, but cause no harm to the patient.

Ideally pumps would reliably measure fluid flow, detect the infusion pressure and the presence of air in the line close to the patient vessel being infused, none do!