Syringe driver

Syringe Driver

A syringe driver or syringe pump is a small infusion pump (some include infuse and withdraw capability), used to gradually administer small amounts of fluid (with or without medication) to a patient or for use in chemical and biomedical research.

Overview

Syringe drivers are commonly used in palliative care and other situations to provide a continuous dose of medication. The medication is usually diluted in a small volume of compatible fluid (such as normal saline) and then infused subcutaneously over 24 hours. This is known as a subcutaneous infusion or "hypodermoclysis".

Types of Syringe Drivers

There are two types of syringe drivers: the volumetric syringe driver and the syringe pump. The volumetric syringe driver is used to deliver a specific volume of medication, while the syringe pump is used to deliver a specific rate of medication.

Use in Palliative Care

In palliative care, syringe drivers are often used to provide continuous medication to manage symptoms. The medications can include analgesics, antiemetics, anticholinergics, and sedatives. The use of a syringe driver can help to improve the patient's quality of life by controlling symptoms and allowing the patient to remain at home.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of a syringe driver is that it allows for the continuous administration of medication, which can be particularly beneficial in palliative care where symptom control is important. However, there are also some disadvantages, including the potential for medication errors and the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of the device.

See Also

• Infusion pump
• Palliative care
• Subcutaneous infusion

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