Accuracy of an Automatic Infusion Controller (AutoClamp) for IntravenousFluid Administration

Abstract

Background: This study was purposed to compare in vitro the volumetric accuracy of a newly introduced automatic infusion controller, AutoClamp with that of other commonly used infusion devices. Methods: Four different volumetric infusion devices were used to examine the accuracy: Terufusion TE-112; Volumed μVP7000; AutoClamp; and Infucon. Accuracy was determined for each flow rate (20, 40, 100, and 200 ml/h) by using infusate volumes collected af- ter 3 h of initiating the fluid administration. Accuracy was calculated as the percentage difference between set volume and actual volume delivered. The influences of fluid viscosity and flow resistance on infusion device accuracy were also evaluated. Results: There were no cases of a greater-than-10% difference between set volume and actual delivered vol- ume. The accuracy of the Infucon was significantly less than that of the other devices. Infusion devices proved to be con- sistent and unaffected by fluid viscosity or flow resistance except for the Infucon. Conclusion: The accuracy of the AutoClamp was comparable to that of other commonly used infusion pumps (Terufusion TE-112 and Volumed μVP7000) regardless of infusate viscosity and flow resistance.