Automatic infusion pump tester

• US 5,943,633 A
• Filed: 01/05/1996
• Issued: 08/24/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sabratek Corp.
• Inventors: Burdick, Thomas H., Wilson, Larry, Chen, Sho
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smithers, Matthew
• Application Number:
  US08/583,468
• Time in Patent Office: 1,327 Days
• Field of Search: 364/509, 364/510, 417/18, 417/43, 417/63, 604/51, 604/67, 702/45
• US Class Current: 702/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/02 Equipment for testing the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically testing an infusion pump is provided with a pump tester adapted to be coupled to an infusion pump for performing a plurality of tests on the pump. The pump tester performs a first type of test on the pump and a second type of test on the pump. The testing apparatus automatically causes the infusion pump to undergo an operation sequence in which the infusion pump pumps liquid during the performance of at least one of the tests. Whereas the normal operation of the infusion pump is controlled by an infusion pump input device which is capable of generating a plurality of electronic signals in response to manual activation of the input device by a user, the pump tester automatically causes the infusion pump to undergo its operation during testing may include generating a plurality of testing commands. Each of the pump tester testing commands emulates one of the electronic signals which the infusion pump input device is capable of generating, and the pump tester transmits the testing commands to the infusion pump under test.

Claims

1. An apparatus for automatically testing an infusion pump operable in an operation sequence for pumping a liquid through a conduit, said apparatus comprising:

a pump tester adapted to be coupled to said infusion pump, said pump tester comprising;

volume accuracy means for performing a volume accuracy test;

upstream occlusion means for performing an upstream occlusion test; and

downstream occlusion means for performing a downstream occlusion test; and

means for automatically causing said infusion pump to undergo said operation sequence without manual activation of said infusion pump by a user comprising;

program means for generating a plurality of testing commands;

a communications link to the infusion pump for receiving said testing commands; and

signal transmission means for transmitting said testing commands to said infusion Dump via said communications link;

said pump tester performing a series of tests and said infusion pump being operated in accordance with the series of tests performed by said pump tester for determining the volume accuracy of the liquid being pumped through the conduit by the infusion pump with said volume accuracy means, creating an upstream occlusion in the conduit for observing an upstream occlusion alarm by the infusion pump with said upstream occlusion means, and creating a downstream occlusion in the conduit for observing a downstream occlusion alarm by the infusion pump with said downstream occlusion means;

a pressure sensor for generating a signal relating to the pressure of said liquid within said conduit;

means for determining whether said infusion pump generates a downstream occlusion signal in response to an interruption of liquid flow through said conduit; and

wherein said pump tester has a second conduit, said second conduit being adapted to provide liquid to said infusion pump from a liquid source and wherein said means for performing said upstream occlusion test comprises;

a valve coupled to said second conduit for selectively interrupting the flow of said liquid through said second conduit; and

means for determining whether said infusion pump generates an upstream occlusion signal in response to an interruption of liquid flow through said second conduit.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for performing said volume accuracy test comprises:

a container into which a quantity of liquid is pumped during said operation sequence of said infusion pump; and

means for determining the volume of said quantity of liquid.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for performing said downstream occlusion test additionally comprises means for determining whether said liquid pressure is within a given range upon the detection of a downstream occlusion by said infusion pump.