EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Test Equipment Using IDA-4 Infusion Tester

When testing Alaris infusion pumps is it necessary to use the IDA, as carefusion do not recommend its use?

My question is "Why not?" What are they trying to hide?
My comment is that you are doing the test, not them, so you choose how to do it.
Robert

If it's for rate / volumetric checks, I think the problem is that the fluid isn't pumped at a constant rate, so if you only do a 'spot check' with an IDA you might get the wrong reading.

Hi RoJo,

You are doing the test, but the have to follow the Manufacturer's Recommendation?

No you do not have to follow the manufacturers recommendations you are not employed by them they cannot tell you what to do.
And they are only recommendations, they are not the law and are not compulsory.
When manufacturers "recommend" something be suspicious and ask why.
Robert

I have to disagree 100% with RoJo unfortunately So when a manufacturer recommends what tests to do- you can pick which ones you want to do??

I would follow the manufacturers recommendation on how to test their devices. If you do not test in accordance to this, I would risk assess this (taking into account accuracy of what you want to use etc). That should cover you.

Biff
I am employed by a Trust, I want what is best for my Trust and their patients, so if a company wants to hide some short coming of their euipmnt, I wan to find out what it is.
As I said these are recommendations not compulsions.
RoJo

Umish, just what sort of testing procedure do Carefusion recommend?

A serious question, by "testing" do you mean performing a verification, a check, or a calibration?

Alaris Infusion Pumps have a dedicated performance verification procedure, (additional testing and calibration may be required after certain repairs are completed).

If the dedicated test equipment is not available, you use what you have to hand in the workshop to check equipment. This can be a stopwatch and burette, a set of scales (gravimetric method), a manometer, or an Infusion Device Analyser. Note, the IDA4, is not a Calibrator, but can be used to independently check infusion device function.

There is a subtle difference between, check, verify, and calibrate.

You can develop your own testing regime or protocol based upon manufacturer recommendations, and your knowledge, (so long as you have traceability and can confirm that equipment is performing within manufacturers specifications). No-one will ever be criticised for adhering strictly to manufacturers recommendations, but budget and time constraints force innovative testing solutions to be developed.

Where you deviate from manufacturer recommendations, document, risk assess, and get signed off.

"a stopwatch and burette, a set of scales (gravimetric method), a manometer"

This is exactly the contents of my tame Carefusion Technicians' bag of tricks when he comes to visit us for annual performance testing.