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What is the difference between a syringe pump and an infusion pump?

Introduction

Given that mouse models play a crucial role in preclinical drug discovery and development, it’s imperative to devise a system that ensures the consistent and reproducible administration of drugs to mice. This system should ideally facilitate the collection of blood samples at regular intervals throughout a specified timeframe. Among the indispensable tools in laboratory settings are syringe pumps and infusion pumps.[1] 

While both serve the crucial function of delivering fluids to laboratory animals, they possess unique characteristics tailored to specific medical applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the nuances of syringe pumps and infusion pumps, exploring their applications, types, and key considerations for purchasing.

What is a Syringe Pump?

A syringe pump is a medical device designed to deliver precise amounts of fluids via a syringe attached to the pump mechanism. These pumps typically feature programmable settings for infusion rates, volume, and dosing intervals.[2] Syringe pumps are characterized by their compact size, making them suitable for use in various settings.

Figure: Classic Syringe Pump.

The main components of the Syringe Pump include:[3]

  1. Syringe Holder or Clamp: This component securely holds the syringe in place during operation. It may have adjustable features to accommodate different syringe sizes.
  2. Drive Mechanism: The drive mechanism is responsible for pushing the plunger of the syringe to dispense the fluid. It may utilize various methods such as stepper motors, lead screws, or linear actuators to achieve precise and controlled movement.
  3. Control Interface: The control interface allows the user to input parameters such as flow rate, volume, and infusion rate. It may consist of buttons, a keypad, a touchscreen, or a computer interface for programming and monitoring.
  4. Motor: The motor provides the mechanical power needed to drive the syringe plunger. It is typically stepper motor-based for precise control over the movement.
  5. Display: A display unit provides feedback to the user by showing parameters such as current flow rate, volume delivered, and any alarms or error messages.
  6. Microcontroller or Control Circuitry: This component processes the user input and controls the operation of the motor to achieve the desired flow rate and volume delivery. It may also include safety features such as overpressure protection and occlusion detection.
  7. Power Supply: Syringe pumps can be powered by AC mains power or battery power, depending on the application. The power supply provides the necessary electrical energy to operate the pump.
  8. Enclosure: The enclosure houses all the internal components of the syringe pump and provides protection against environmental factors and contamination. It may also include features for mounting the pump on a stand or a rack.
What is an Infusion Pump?

An infusion pump is a medical device utilized for administering fluids, medications, or nutrients intravenously at controlled rates over a predetermined period. Unlike syringe pumps, infusion pumps can accommodate larger volumes of fluids, such as IV bags or reservoirs, enabling continuous or intermittent infusions.[5] Infusion pumps are equipped with advanced features, including flow rate adjustments, occlusion alarms, and dose calculation capabilities, ensuring precise delivery of medications and fluids while minimizing the risk of complications.

The main components of the Infusion Pump include:[7]

  1. Pump Mechanism: This mechanism drives the flow of fluids from the reservoir to the animal. It can be peristaltic, piston-driven, or based on other technologies, each offering different advantages in terms of accuracy and flow rate control.
  2. Reservoir or IV Bag Holder: This component holds the fluid source, such as an IV bag or a reservoir. It may include features like clamps or hooks to secure the bag in place during operation.
  3. Flow Control System: The flow control system regulates the rate at which the fluid is delivered to the animal. It typically includes a motor or actuator that adjusts the flow rate based on user settings and feedback from sensors.
  4. Control Interface: The control interface allows the user to set parameters such as infusion rate, volume to be infused, and alarm limits. It may consist of buttons, a touchscreen, or a keypad for user input.
  5. Display: A display unit provides real-time feedback to the user by showing parameters such as infusion rate, volume infused, and any alarms or error messages.
  6. Microcontroller or Control Circuitry: This component processes the user input and controls the operation of the pump. It may also include safety features such as occlusion detection and air bubble detection.
  7. Power Supply: Infusion pumps can be powered by AC mains power or battery power. The power supply provides the necessary electrical energy to operate the pump.
  8. Enclosure: The enclosure houses all the internal components of the infusion pump and provides protection against environmental factors and contamination. It may also include features for mounting the pump on a stand or an IV pole.
Application of Syringe Pump

Syringe pumps are widely employed in laboratory and animal research settings for various purposes. These pumps excel in delivering small volumes of fluids at a controlled rate, making them ideal for administering medications such as potent drugs or anesthesia with precision.[8] They can be used in:

  1. Drug Infusion in Animal Studies: Syringe pumps are commonly used to administer precise doses of drugs or experimental compounds to animals in research studies. This ensures accurate dosing and minimizes variability in drug delivery. 
  2. Intravenous Fluid Administration: In laboratory settings, syringe pumps are employed for the controlled delivery of intravenous fluids to maintain hydration or administer medications to laboratory animals during surgeries or experiments. 
  3. Microinjection in Neuroscience Research: Syringe pumps are utilized for microinjection applications in neuroscience research, enabling precise delivery of substances such as viral vectors, dyes, or pharmacological agents into specific regions of the brain or spinal cord in animal models. 
  4. Perfusion Systems in Tissue Culture: In cell culture and tissue engineering, syringe pumps are integral components of perfusion systems, where they deliver nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors to cultured cells or tissues while maintaining a controlled environment. 
  5. Analytical Chemistry Applications: Syringe pumps are utilized in analytical chemistry techniques such as liquid chromatography and spectroscopy for the precise delivery of solvents, reagents, or samples, ensuring accurate and reproducible results. 
Application of Infusion Pump

Infusion pumps, on the other hand, are designed for delivering larger volumes of fluids over an extended period.[9] Unlike syringe pumps, infusion pumps can accommodate a broader range of fluids and medications, making them versatile tools in various laboratory settings. They provide continuous and controlled infusion, ensuring receiving the necessary medications or fluids at the prescribed rate and duration. They can be used in:

  1. Drug Infusion in Animal Studies: Infusion pumps enable precise and controlled administration of drugs to animals in research studies, ensuring accurate dosing and minimizing variability in drug delivery.
  2. Microdialysis Experiments: Infusion pumps are utilized in microdialysis techniques to deliver perfusion fluid at a constant rate, allowing for the collection of small-molecule analytes from extracellular fluid in animal models for pharmacokinetic studies or neurochemical monitoring.
  3. Continuous Infusion in Physiology Experiments: In physiological research, infusion pumps are used for continuous delivery of fluids or substances to animal models, facilitating experiments such as glucose tolerance tests, hormone infusion studies, or drug metabolism investigations.
  4. Tissue Perfusion Systems: Infusion pumps are integral components of tissue perfusion systems used in ex vivo experiments, enabling researchers to maintain organ or tissue viability by delivering oxygenated perfusate with nutrients and maintaining physiological conditions.
  5. Drug Screening Assays: In laboratory settings, infusion pumps are employed in automated drug screening assays to deliver test compounds or candidate drugs to cell cultures or biological samples at precise concentrations and rates, facilitating high-throughput screening studies.
  6. In Vitro Pharmacology Studies: Infusion pumps are utilized in in vitro pharmacology experiments to mimic physiological conditions by continuously delivering substances to cell cultures or tissue preparations, allowing for the investigation of pharmacological responses and drug interactions.
  7. Behavioral Studies in Animal Models: In behavioral research, infusion pumps are used to deliver substances such as drugs, neurotransmitters, or neuromodulators directly into the brain or peripheral circulation of animal models, enabling researchers to study the effects on behavior and neural circuits.
  8. Perfusion of Isolated Organs: Infusion pumps are employed in the perfusion of isolated organs such as hearts or kidneys in ex vivo experiments, allowing researchers to study organ function, metabolism, or responses to pharmacological interventions under controlled conditions.
Types of Both Instruments Explained

Syringe pumps come in different variations to accommodate various laboratory needs. Programmable syringe pumps offer flexibility in dosage and infusion rates. [10] Infusion pumps are similarly diverse, ranging from volumetric pumps, which deliver fluids at a constant rate, to syringe drivers, which can accommodate both syringes and IV bags for versatile infusion options. [11]

Factors to Consider When Buying Both Instruments
  1. Precision and Accuracy: In laboratory and animal environments, both syringe pumps and infusion pumps must deliver precise and accurate control over infusion rates to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of treatments or experiments.
  2. Compatibility: When selecting a pump for laboratory or animal research, it’s crucial to consider its compatibility with the medications, fluids, and experimental solutions commonly utilized. Ensuring compatibility helps prevent operational issues and facilitates smooth and seamless operation during experiments or animal care procedures.
  3. User Interface: An intuitive user interface is essential for both syringe pumps and infusion pumps in laboratory and animal settings. A user-friendly interface enhances usability and reduces the risk of errors during pump operation, particularly in high-stress research environments where accuracy is paramount for reliable results.
  4. Portability: In laboratory and animal environments, there may be instances where mobility or transportability of pumps is necessary. For example, in field research or veterinary settings, portable and lightweight pumps are indispensable for conducting experiments or providing care in diverse locations.
  5. Maintenance and Support: Selecting pumps with reliable maintenance services and accessible technical support is vital for laboratory and animal research facilities. This ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted animal care or experimental procedures. Having reliable support also enables prompt resolution of any technical issues that may arise during pump operation, safeguarding the integrity of research outcomes and animal welfare.
Conclusion

In laboratory and animal settings, selecting between a syringe pump and an infusion pump is contingent upon the unique demands of the experimental context, weighing considerations such as infusion volume, precision, and mobility. 

By comprehensively grasping the diverse applications, variations, and critical purchasing factors associated with these indispensable devices, researchers can enhance the care and treatment outcomes of laboratory animals with assurance and precision, thus advancing scientific endeavors with informed decision-making.

Check out our Classic Syringe Pump if you’re looking for the best!

References
    1. Smith A, Wall S, French L. Syringe pumps: selection and use in infusion therapy. British Journal of Nursing. 2017; 26(14): S18-S24.
    2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Medical Technologies Guidance [MTG18]. Syringe drivers. London: NICE; 2013.
    3. Kolhe, P. S., & Badgujar, P. P. Design and Fabrication of Syringe Pump. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2014; 4(5), 1-5
    4. “BS EN 60601-2-24: Medical electrical equipment, Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of infusion pumps and controllers”. BSI, 2015.
    5. Frost A, Southgate V. Advances in infusion technology. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine. 2018; 19(11): 572-576.
    6. Jacobs JD, Hopper-Borge EA. Carotid artery infusions for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of taxanes in mice. J Vis Exp. 2014; (92):e51917.
    7. Kumar, A., & Kumar, A. Design and Development of a Programmable Infusion Pump. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2017; 9(8), 1325-1330.
    8. Ratcliffe T, Maisey A, Mochan S. A review of ambulatory syringe pumps. British Journal of Community Nursing. 2019; 24(Sup1): S18-S22.
    9. Frey R, McQuinn R. Infusion pumps: indications, complications, and management. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology. 2019; 32(5): 654-660.
    10. Nahla S, Philip M. Syringe pumps: do we understand them? A comprehensive insight into infusion pumps. British Journal of Nursing. 2018; 27(14): 784-791.
    11. Langley J, Spicer K. Intravenous infusion devices: integrating human factors engineering into design. British Journal of Nursing. 2017; 26(14): S4-S12.
Author:
Picture of  Vanja Antonijevic
Vanja Antonijevic

Vanja works as the Social Media and Academic Program Manager at Conduct Science. With a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology and a Master's degree in Human Molecular Biology, Vanja is dedicated to sharing scientific knowledge on social media platforms. Additionally, Vanja provides direct support to the editorial board at Conduct Science Academic Publishing House.

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