The effect of syringe size on the performance of an infusion pump

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of using three different sized syringes on the accuracy of fluid delivery when using an infusion pump at low infusion rates (1 ml.h-1). The study also measured the influence of the syringe size on the time to occlusion alarm, and on the size of the subsequent bolus dose that might be infused after relief of the occlusion which triggered the alarm. The use of a larger size syringe was found not to affect the accuracy of infusate delivery, but delayed the time to occlusion alarm and increased the size of the postocclusion bolus dose.