Are there any facilites using the Alaris pumps that allow blood to be transfused through the pump via a peripheral line? We are reviewing our policy to include central lines such as PICC's and triple lumens but would like to know if other hospitals allow blood to be pumped peripherally.
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
Margy Galloway had a great article about using smaller gauge peripheral IV catheters for blood transfusions in JAVA last fall (right, Margy?).
Gwen
Austin, Texas
Just to add to Lynn's comment- most manufacturers will have data supporting such practices. Alaris produces more than one type of IV pump, so if you are looking for such information you need to specify the actual pump as well. Not just the manufacturer.
Peggy McDaniel RN BSN
Infusion Practice Manager, Western Region
Cardinal Health
Peggy McDaniel RN BSN
Infusion Practice Manager, Western Region
CareFusion
Do you actually mean 520 mm Hg, not psi. 1 pound per square inch = 50 mm of mercury (Hg) So 520 mm Hg would equal 10.4 psi. Even that seems high to me. This pressure is actually the pressure limit, not the pumping pressure. The pump must detect resistance to flow, then it increases the pumping pressure to overcome that resistance until it reaches the pressure limit. Then an occlusion alarm occurs. The damage to RBCs comes when the pressure tries to force them through a small catheter like a 24 g, along with the pumping mechanism - piston, peristaltic, etc. I have never seen a recommendation for a pressure alarm for blood. The gauge on pressure bags used for pumping blood enters the danger zone at 300 mm Hg or 6 psi, but you need to go by the pump manufacturers instructions for use. Also many pumps to not have adjustments on their pressure alarms, so you will not have a choice. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
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