Blood Transfusion and Infusion Pump use

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I am doing research. Let me rephrase that. I am trying really hard to find some research on the benefits of using gravity to infuse blood over using an infusion pump. I have read in numerous hospital policies that the use of an infusion pump is not allowed unless special circumstances call for the use of one. I have heard or read from multiple sources that the use of an infusion pump causes hemolysis and increases the risk of thrombus formation. I find it hard tho to find research to support this. Could someone please help me by submitting any articles you know of to support or deny this information.

Thank You

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Don't know where to find research but I only use gravity when my patients have acute blood loss from trauma or surgery. Not all patients need blood transfused via gravity, especially patients who have CHF.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

I work Hem/Onc

We use IVAC's for blood; we do not use on platelets.

We VERY seldom use gravity for anything.

We don't run any fluids without a pump. That's the policy here.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I suggest studying the infusion pump manual or contacting the manufacturer of your pumps. They must have specifications and data to show what their pumps are designed to do safely.

BTW, We always use infusion pumps, the brand we use right now are ancient Baxter pump.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

We use pumps for everything.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Depends on the equipment used by the facility. The newer pumps do not lyse cells because they count the drops with a sensor, not by pinching the tubing. The pump will also alarm when something is wrong so you have time to fix it and still get the blood in under 3-4 hours (RBC). We use both here. We LOVE the new smart pumps for blood. Nurses found they were being called back into the room far less often.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Only time I've ever NOT used a pump was during a code when I ran in a L of IVF wide open. Everything else has been on a pump...even blood. Never had a problem.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

Only time I HAVEN'T used a pump with blood was when I was squeezing PRBCs for all I was worth to keep a pt with a GI bleed from dying....and that was scary. Doc was screaming "Squeeze it in!" and I was yelling, "not without checking the BAG!" -- We were hanging the second unit to go in the other arm as soon as we were done with the one I was swinging on. The patient lived thru that episode, and I grew some gray hair...

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