Syringe size selection when programming syringe pumps

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Sun, 06/04/2023 - 12:14
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Dena Fisher
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Joined: 06/19/2013 - 13:48
Syringe size selection when programming syringe pumps

We have had a couple errors in a NICU because the wrong syringe size was selected when programming syringe pumps. The 1 ml and 3 ml barrel size are similar so the pump is unable to detect the difference and it has to be a manual selection by the nurse.

We have spoken to several vendors and had our current vendor come on site, and apparently this is the case with all brands of syringe pumps.

Are there any best practices on how to improve this situation? The label can at times obscure the writing on the syringe. Is anyone adding the syringe size to the label? Or standardize the size of the syringe certain medications are dispensed in? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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