Pumps that deliver from external fluid containers suspended above the pump (i.e., large-volume pumps and some ambulatory pumps) should alarm for an upstream (fluid-containerside)
occlusion or a clamped secondary infusion line.
The pump should alarm for a downstream occlusion, and pressure should not exceed 20 psi (1,034 mm Hg). The occlusion alarm limit should be adjustable to as low as 2 psi (103
mm Hg). The pump's maximum pressure should be configurable and specific to clinical location or application. We believe that pumping pressures ≤4 psi (207 mm Hg) are sufficient
for the majority of infusions (i.e., venous infusions). Arterial infusions may require pumping pressure of approximately 6 psi (310 mm Hg), and epidural lines may require pressure of
approximately 10 psi (517 mm Hg). Peripherally inserted central catheters may require even higher pressures.
When an occlusion occurs, the pump should stop flow and alarm as quickly as possible. If the occlusion resolves, the pump should be configurable (by care area) to allow automatic
restart and cessation of audible occlusion alarm (this is not applicable to syringe pumps).
Features that may prevent an occlusion, such as the displaying of reminders to the clinician (e.g., open slide/roller clamp, check drip chamber) or the displaying of actual pumping
pressure or relative changes in pressure (e.g., with a pressure trend graph), are desirable.
© 2015 ECRI Institute
After an occlusion is relieved, the bolus volume released (i.e., the additional amount of fluid collected in the tubing during occlusion) should be ≤0.5 mL.