I have been asked if there is any evidence based data as to whether one can infuse blood safely via a peripheral vein using an infusion pump. tradionally at our hospital we have not, the concern being that the pump would not alarm soon enough if the blood infiltrated. What are others doing and are there any articles or studies pro or con? Thanks as always for your Help.
Carol Gosselin Miriam Hospital Providence RI.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Speaking only about the adult patient, Some IV pumps should not be used for blood infusion, because they cause damage to the RBC as the pump "rolls" over the tubing. It depends on the pump, you should check the manufactor recomendations.
If your pump and tubing are OK to use, it should be OK then. Blood infiltration, though not good for the patient, should be absorbed over time without significant residual effect if caought in time. Our institution has frequent checks during transfusion, so you cathch it before it gets out of hand. It is very similar to a large bruise you get, when your vein "spills over" after an injury, as far as I know.
Are your pumps FDA approved for blood transfusions? And the tubing that fits those pumps? We transfuse blood and blood products (yes, platelets, too) on pumps all the time.
I haven't seen peristaltic pumps in forever (those would be the ones that roll over the tubing). YOu should ask for manuals for the pumps from the manufacturer for the documentation about FDA approved for blood transfusion.
Most pumps on the market today have a very low psi setting that indicates something is wrong with the amount of pressure that the pump is using to push fluid/blood. Usually, an occlusion alarm is what is indicated on the pump's screen. This can be caused by crimped tubing, occluded cathteter, or infiltrated PIV site. If troubleshooting and tubing isn't bent, catheter is open, then look at the IV site to assess infiltration. (This should prevent extravasation of blood to a minimal amount. I would also your manufacturer about the psi exerted by your pumps.)
Gwen