Abstract
Accurate continuous intravenous injection via peristaltic finger infusion pump has been utilized at outpatient clinics, such as cancer treatment centers. However, the flow rate accuracy of the peristaltic finger infusion pump might be affected by various factors, such as the properties of drugs containing surfactants, choice of infusion set, and the technique for using the peristaltic finger infusion pump by medical staff. In our experience with outpatient chemotherapy, medication administration has occasionally been incomplete at the calculated input time when using peristaltic finger infusion pump. For this reason, we have investigated the cause of delay in administration time with peristaltic finger infusion pump under various conditions. Saline containing ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (cremophor® EL), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), and ethanol did not adversely affect administration time accuracy. Conversely, when the infusion set tubing was stretched approximately 1-3 cm and was attached to the peristaltic finger infusion pump, the time required for complete administration of the solution was prolonged compared to the input time (P < 0.0001-0.05, Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison). Therefore, we suggest that the technique for using the peristaltic finger infusion pump by the medical staff adversely prolonged the time required for completion of administration. In our opinion, pharmacists should provide information concerning not only drugs, but also medical devices to physicians and nurses.
