The first TechNation roundtable article of 2023 explores infusion therapy and IV pumps. Several companies were contacted to comment on a range of topics from saving money to the latest IV pump technology. Participating in the roundtable article are United Infusion Biomed Tech Jason Lucas, United Infusion Biomed Tech Sydney Penman, Multi-Medical Systems Pump Team Supervisor Carlos Ramirez, Elite Biomedical Solutions BMET II Greg Seibert, AIV Inc. Vice President of Sales and New Product Development Jeff Taltavull and ReNew Biomedical Lead Technician Josh Williams, CABT.
Q. What is one thing every HTM professional should know about IV pumps?
Lucas: Take your time. Ask yourself, “Would you be comfortable with this device on your family members?” Servicing any medical device is crucial to patient safety, if you wouldn’t allow the device to be used on your family members then your work is not done. Spend a little extra time when servicing to make sure the device is safe and poses no risk to the patient.
Ramirez: IV pumps are as good as the user or biomed working on them. Make sure the device has been PMed, and in its allotted time. Also, cleaning the device before returning it back to patient use is important. IV pumps need to be accurate. Here at MMS we remind ourselves, “What if me or one of my family members needed to use this device?” It helps us always keep perspective.
Seibert: There are a few different types of IV pumps. Although made by different manufacturers, they perform the same basic functions. These pumps can dose large or small quantities and can run in manual or automatic.
Taltavull: Support is crucial. Demand on service and need for parts availability varies from OEM to OEM. Look to purchase items that offer sustainable support either by the OEM or secondary market. It is important to do the front-end research, so you are not stuck paying a backend price.
Williams: Pumps are generally simple and less overwhelming than they are often perceived. All IV pumps serve the same purpose in slightly different ways based on their point of care and intended use. A well-maintained IV pump often goes overlooked and undervalued, but health care professionals know how crucial it is to maintain accuracy when dealing with the administration of life-saving medications.
Q. How can biomeds save money when it comes to IV pump repairs and purchases?
Penman: Biomeds can save money by renewing, reusing and recycling other parts from either units that are no longer operational or repairing and revamping parts that can still be used. Cleaning can also play a big role in revamping a unit, which allows the clearing of debris and proper function to be restored.
Ramirez: I believe knowing how to diagnose and trouble shoot correctly will save you cost on repairs and time. For example, I had multiple Alaris pumps reading “Channel Error.” I checked the Flash package that was installed. It was not the same as the pumps loading without issue. This meant they had gone through an update with the Flash package. Taking the extra time to look saved money and avoided having to replace the parts like an IUI and possibly the expense of a logic board.
Seibert: Regular PMs can go a long way in preventing major costs. For example, if a case is found damaged during a PM then the case can be swapped out before any fluid intrusion occurs. This will prevent damage to the boards. A tech/hospital can also save time and money by using a verified and ISO-certified parts and service supplier.
Taltavull: Work with reliable industry partners to set up a support network. Find highly qualified, ISO-certified repair alternatives that offer cost savings support in either replacement parts or flat rate repairs.
Williams: Medical professionals rely on infusion pumps 24/7, and due to the extreme usage hours, these pumps need to be maintained often for calibration accuracy. Using OEM-suggested accessories will remove incompatibility errors, reduce technician time and help avoid costly equipment malfunctions. Buying OEM-approved accessories and keeping up with frequent calibration can mean a higher up-front cost but saves money in the long term due to unit longevity and reduced risk.
Q. How have technology advances changed IV pump maintenance?
Lucas: Advancements in technology have created an easier, more efficient maintenance procedure that results in reduced risk to the patient, usability of the device and overall value to the health care system.
Ramirez: Software and electrical devices go hand in hand, we are always hearing about the latest updates for IV pumps. I have noticed, for example, that software is now capable of calibrating your pressure sensors instead of having to do a manual calibration. This is very helpful considering the amount of time saved. Overall, it’s best to allow yourself some time to stay up to date on new updates.
Seibert: Many of these pumps can be connected to a network which can let a technician or nurse know in real time if an error has occurred. Some of the pumps can even connect to a maintenance software which will help troubleshoot and walk the tech through a full PM.
Taltavull: The need for continuing monitoring of OEM updates and software upgrades. Make sure you are in front of any necessary changes. Keep an eye on recalls and advisories. There have been a lot of updates in the market over the past few years. Understand what and if you need to do anything to keep your equipment up to the latest standard.
Williams: A recent change in the IV pump PM process is a shift to software-driven calibrations and maintenance. In the early days, PMs were time-intensive and susceptible to error, relying on technicians to manually measure outputs with beakers and scales. The benefits of eliminating human error and using digital measurement tools when calibrating the accuracy of these units cannot be understated.
Q. How important are PMs and why?
Penman: Preventative maintenance is very important and should be done annually to ensure the pump is not only functional but operating as needed for the required medical setting using the pump. When a PM is performed it will also show if the pump needs further calibration to ensure the flow rate and pressure sensors are meeting the passing standard.
Ramirez: Patient safety is our number one concern. I find that PMs are important because you need to know if the device you are working on is still within recommended range whether it’s electrical safety or making sure the pressure sensors are working properly so you have an accurate flow dispensed by the pump. Not only are you helping ensure the longevity of the device, but you are also ensuring patient safety as well.
Seibert: PMs are extremely important. The PM ensures the device is operating within the manufacturer’s specifications. The PM also gives the tech a chance to look the pump over for any damage that may have occurred since the last PM.
Taltavull: PMs are not only suggested but are necessary to keep your equipment running efficiently and properly. Regular safety checks, as well as calibration, are necessary on all equipment to ensure proper function. Most manufacturers prescribe frequency. Annual checks should be added for standard safety inspection.
Williams: PMs are important because they guarantee that the equipment is ready to be used on a patient and can reliably administer the exact amount of medicine or drug. Error margins for these medicines are razor thin, and the accuracy of a dosage can mean the difference between the life and death of a patient. Regular routine maintenance of IV pumps contributes to the unit’s longevity and greatly reduces errors due to flow rate, air-in-line and occlusion.
Q. What else do you think TechNation readers need to know about purchasing and servicing IV pumps?
Lucas: Pay more attention; servicing IV pumps is all about accuracy and safety. Spend a little more time and just verify that the device is operating as intended prior to returning to service.
Ramirez: I understand some manufacturers would like to use proprietary parts for their devices and would like for us to send the devices right back to them for repairs. If I was able to I would order parts from the manufacturer so I can repair these devices and cut the wait time, this increases patient use and efficiency for the hospital.
Seibert: There are great third-party options when purchasing devices and new or recertified parts. Off-site repairs and PMs can save time and money as well.
Taltavull: There are alternatives to the OEM when it comes to the servicing. Do your front end homework and make sure you partner with an established ISO-certified repair partner, who follows manufacturing protocols and maintains a high level of standard of service.
Williams: When selecting the correct infusion pump for your needs, consider the cost and availability of sets and frequency of PMs. Sometimes, expensive cost-of-ownership is hidden behind a lower up-front unit price. Maintaining a rigorous PM schedule with trained, reliable technicians is the most dependable way to save your equipment budget long-term.