Placement of syringe infusion pumps and solution density can impact infusion performance: An experimental study

Abstract

Aim: To verify how variations in the height and solution density can influence syringe infusion pumps accuracy. Methods: Three syringe infusion pumps were studied in two infusion rates 0.5 ml/h and 10.0 ml/h. The solutions studied were saline solution and parenteral nutrition. The syringe infusion pumps were placed at the level of the distal exit of the infusion line, 30 cm above and 30 cm below. Results: After 2 h of infusion, loss of accuracy was verified mainly at 0.5 ml/h with a significant influence of infusion pump placement (p < 0.001). At 10.0 ml/h there were differences between saline solution and parenteral nutrition at the same level (p < 0.004) and 30 cm above (p < 0.001). After 2 h of infusion the higher error rate identified was 20.1%. Conclusion: The placement of the syringe infusion pump and the infusion rate influence accuracy mainly at 30 cm below and 0,5 ml/h.