Infusion pumps are indispensable tools in modern healthcare, ensuring the precise delivery of medications, nutrients, and fluids to patients. However, these critical devices can only perform effectively if maintained and cleaned regularly. Without proper care, infusion pumps can harbor debris and contaminants, leading to equipment failure, medication errors, and even patient harm.

In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of proper infusion pump cleaning, highlight the challenges involved, and introduce the best tools and techniques for achieving thorough maintenance.

What are infusion pumps?

Infusion pumps are medical devices that control the flow of fluids administered to patients. These devices rely on advanced software and intricate mechanisms to function accurately, underscoring the need for meticulous cleaning and maintenance. 

There are different kinds of infusion pumps available, each suited for specific purposes, including:

Volumetric pumps

Volumetric pumps are designed to deliver large volumes of fluids at a consistent rate, making them indispensable in settings where hydration or nutrient replenishment is critical. These pumps are often used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and emergency care scenarios to treat dehydration, administer intravenous fluids, or deliver medications over extended periods. Their key features include:

• Accuracy: These pumps ensure precise control over the flow rate and volume, minimizing the risk of overhydration or underdosing.

• Flexibility: They are compatible with a wide range of fluid types, including saline, glucose solutions, and blood products.

• Alarms and safeguards: Built-in alerts notify healthcare providers of flow interruptions, air bubbles, or occlusions.

These pumps are useful for the treatment of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and are also used to deliver large-volume medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy, in inpatient settings.

Syringe pumps

Syringe pumps are specialized devices designed for the precise administration of small doses of medications. They are particularly useful for drugs that require exact dosages over a specified time, such as insulin or anesthesia during surgery. Their key features include:

• High precision: Syringe pumps are engineered to deliver microdoses with exceptional accuracy, reducing the risk of medication errors.

• Compact design: These pumps are portable and can be used at the patient’s bedside or during transport.

• Programmable settings: Users can control the flow rate and dosage intervals for optimal medication delivery.

Syringe pumps are used in neonatal intensive care, pain management cases, and chemotherapy. 

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps

PCA pumps empower patients to manage their pain by self-administering prescribed doses of pain relief medication. These devices are frequently used post-surgery or for patients with chronic pain, offering them greater control over their comfort. They offer:

• Patient empowerment: Patients can administer medication when needed, within pre-programmed safety limits set by healthcare providers.

• Safety mechanisms: PCA pumps are equipped with lockout intervals to prevent overdosing. There are also alarms to signal malfunctions or medication depletion.

• Customizable settings: Providers can adjust dosage amounts and intervals based on the patient's condition and needs.

These pumps are used for post-surgical recovery, chronic pain management, and palliative care needs.

Why infusion pump cleaning is essential

When infusion pumps are not maintained and operated correctly they can malfunction. This can increase the chance of medication errors and threaten the wellbeing of the patient.

Three risks of neglecting infusion pump cleaning

Proper cleaning is essential to ensure both patient safety and device reliability. Failing to clean infusion pumps thoroughly can result in:

1. Device malfunctions

Residue buildup in critical components can impair pump functionality, leading to inaccurate fluid delivery.

2. Increased infection risk

Contaminated surfaces can harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungi, potentially causing nosocomial infections (a.k.a. healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)).

3. Regulatory violations

Non-compliance with cleaning protocols can result in penalties and compromise patient safety standards.

Challenges in infusion pump cleaning

Because of the small nooks and crannies of these devices, as well as the importance of their functionality, cleaning your infusion pump in an effective manner presents several unique challenges. We commonly run into:

• Complex structures: Pumps have intricate designs with hard-to-reach areas, such as vents and fluid channels.

• Risk of damage: Abrasive materials or improper techniques can scratch sensitive surfaces or compromise functionality.

• Residual fibers: Cotton swabs can leave lint behind, which may interfere with the pump’s operation.

Using the right tools, like Puritan’s foam-tipped swabs, can address these challenges and simplify the cleaning process.

Step-by-step guide to infusion pump cleaning

To help guide you through the cleaning process and ensure you have the necessary tools on hand to do the job, we will walk you through the step-by-step cleaning process that we recommend. Let’s dive in. 

Step #1: Gather supplies

We recommend having the following materials available to effectively clean your pump:

• Foam-tipped swabs, such as Puritan’s PurSwab® 3” 1803-PF (pictured below)

• Isopropyl alcohol or an approved cleaning solution.

• Protective gloves and masks.

Step #2: Disassemble the pump

Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to disassemble the pump carefully. Pay special attention to areas where residue commonly accumulates, such as vents, channels, and access points.

Step #3: Clean the components

Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of the device. Here are some tips for cleaning each component:

• Speaker vents and power adapters: Use a foam-tipped swab moistened with alcohol to remove dust and debris.

• Fluid channels and access points: Thoroughly clean these areas to prevent residue buildup that could block fluid flow.

• Control panels and keyholes: Ensure these components are free of contaminants to maintain device functionality.

Step #4: Inspect and reassemble the pump

After cleaning, inspect the pump for remaining debris or moisture. Once dry, reassemble the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step #5: Document the pump cleaning for future reference

Log cleaning activities to maintain compliance with maintenance schedules and regulatory requirements.

Why choose foam-tipped swabs for infusion pump cleaning?

Puritan’s controlled environment swabs are specifically designed for precision cleaning in critical environments. Here’s why they’re ideal for infusion pump maintenance:

• Lint-free cleaning: Unlike cotton swabs, foam swabs leave no fibers behind, ensuring the device remains contaminant-free.

• Non-abrasive material: Foam is gentle on delicate surfaces, reducing the risk of scratches or damage.

• Chemical resistance: Foam swabs are compatible with cleaning agents like alcohol, allowing for thorough decontamination.

• Flexible and precise: The swabs’ design enables them to navigate tight spaces and intricate components effectively.

Case study: Why Simon Myers uses Puritan swabs for infusion pump cleaning

Simon Myers, a Biomedical Tech 1 who works at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, TN, has found that Puritan’s Puritan’s PurSwab® 3” 1803-WF, when moistened with alcohol, works best for cleaning and maintaining infusion pumps.

Simon is responsible for cleaning over 1,200 pumps as part of the pumps' annual maintenance. The specific infusion pump that he maintains is a SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System - a smart infusion pump designed to tightly control the delivery of fluids via the use of advanced drug library software.

In addition to proper daily operation and maintenance, these machines must be thoroughly cleaned and free of particulates in order to ensure optimal functioning. During his annual maintenance, Myers focuses specifically on the “access point 2” of the SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System, located in the door of the pump.

The SIGMA Spectrum Operator’s Manual advises techs to use soft swabs moistened in the appropriate cleaning solution to clean the speaker vent, power adapter, door release and keyhole, and pumping channel.

Why Puritan Foam Tipped Swabs?

As Myers can attest, our 1803-WF swab is the perfect tool for the job. With a firm wooden handle and a soft, lint and residue-free tip, our PurSwab foam tipped swab is ideal for this type of critical environment cleaning.

Alternatively, our 1803-PF swab is a great choice as well. 

Keep your infusion pumps running smoothly with Puritan’s foam-tipped swabs

Regular infusion pump cleaning is essential for maintaining patient safety, ensuring device performance, and preventing infections. Puritan’s foam-tipped swabs, like the PurSwab 1803-PF or 1803-WF, are designed to meet the highest standards of precision cleaning.  

Want to learn more about using Puritan’s foam tipped swabs to clean critical environments, cleanrooms and medical devices? 

Contact one of our knowledgeable product specialists today.