Extract:
“In some cases, infusion pumps can be used with extension sets outside of the patient room to protect the clinical personnel and conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long extension set use can affect infusion pump performance; however, it is likely acceptable with most common infusion flow rates. Use of long extension sets may not be suitable for all patients or infusions and does not void the need for regular patient assessment (e.g., catheter site assessment).”
“ECRI has tested several major large-volume infusion pumps with 20 feet of microbore tubing. Based on our limited lab testing, the performance is acceptable with commonly used flow rates. Microbore/small bore tubing is generally smaller in diameter than macrobore tubing. Microbore/small bore tubing inner diameter can differ between manufacturers from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Fluid viscosity is also a factor with the pump performance (e.g., D50%) produces more pressure as NSS at the same flow rate. This could lead to further performance effects when using long extension sets” ECRI (2020). Read the ECRI alert and watch the ECRI video below.