General Information
BD Alaris
TM
System with Guardrails
TM
Suite MX User Manual 171
Occlusions
To minimize the amount of time it takes the pump to recognize an occlusion (blockage) and
generate an alarm while infusing at low rates (for example, < 5 mL/h and especially flow rates of
< 0.5 mL/h):
• Consider the plunger force or occlusion pressure threshold setting and adjust it, as
necessary. The lower the plunger force setting or occlusion pressure threshold
setting, the shorter the occlusion detection time. However, when infusing viscous or
thick fluids (for example, lipids), the plunger force or occlusion pressure threshold
setting may need to be adjusted to reduce false alarms.
• Use the smallest compatible syringe size necessary to deliver the fluid or medication.
This minimizes the amount of friction and compliance of the syringe stopper. Because
syringe pumps infuse fluids by precisely controlling the plunger, smaller syringes
provide more precise fluid delivery than larger syringes.
• Use the Prime Set with syringe feature on the pump when changing a syringe and/or
tubing.
• Use accessory devices, which have the smallest internal volume or deadspace (for
example, use microbore tubing when infusing at low rates, shorter length of tubing,
and so on).
When addressing or clearing an occlusion:
• Ensure that the fluid flow to the patient is OFF to prevent administering an unintended
bolus. An occlusion may pressurize the infusion tubing and syringe, which can result
in an unintended bolus of drug when the occlusion is cleared. In order to prevent this
additional bolus, disconnect the tubing or relieve the excess pressure through a
stopcock, if present. The clinician should weigh the relative risks of disconnection
with the risks of an unintended bolus of drug.
• Using a set with a pressure sensing disc and Back Off (after occlusion) enabled will
cause the motor to reverse plunger movement during an occlusion until pressure
returns to preocclusion levels, automatically reducing bolus flow.
• Being aware that using larger size syringes on a high plunger force setting may
produce a larger post occlusion bolus due to excessive syringe stopper compliance.
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