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Jerrbear
Nonmetalic flow regulators

Hi everyone,

 We have never used the dial-a-flow regulators in our facility because all infusions are on pumps.  We will soon be getting an MRI unit here, so we will need some way to accurately control drip rates without metalic pumps.  I'd like some recommendations from those of you who are familiar with this problem.  What's the best solution?

 By the way, for those of you who may have been wondering where I disappeared to, I started work on my master's in July, and have precious little time for anything but work and school.  I'll be back here in about 18 more months.  Miss you all.

lynncrni
Congrats on your masters
Congrats on your masters work! ABout the flow regulators - these have the same accuracy rating as a roller clamp - +/- 25%. So they would not be appropriate for critical infusions but could work on some fluids. The other alternative is to add lengthy extension tubing so that the infusion pump can be placed outside the MRI room. I think there is one pump that is MRI compatible but not everyone has it, don't even recall its name. So it may no longer be available. The only other option is to stop the infusion or use those flow regulators or a simply roller clamp and save that money! Lynn

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

Jerrbear
 Lynn and Chris, Thanks

 Lynn and Chris,

Thanks for those suggestions.  I had hoped that there had been some technological breakthrough in the flow regulator area, though I doubt that it is possible to improve the accuracy of a passive device like that.  I will look into both of the options suggested, but I am guessing that our need for such a device will be so limited that we will likely go with the cheaper option.

Jerry Bartholomew RN, BSN, CRNI

VA Medical Center, Spokane, WA

Jerry Bartholomew RN, MSN, CRNI

VA Medical Center, Spokane, WA

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