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Kids Health Info

Infusor pumps

  • An infusor pump delivers medication such as antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) line into a big vein in the body. An infusor pump is generally changed every 12-24 hours by a nurse who will visit you at home. Infusor pumps are used when IV treatments are still required, but your child is well enough to be treated at home. 

    What is an infusor pump?Infusor pump figure 2

    An infusor pump delivers medication such as antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) line. It uses a small ‘balloon’ to slowly drip the medication through the line (see image). It does not need batteries or power to work. The balloon will continue to get smaller until it is empty or clamped.

    Why are infusor pumps used?

    Infusor pumps are used when your child requires treatment but is otherwise ready for discharge from hospital. Infusor pumps allow your child to go home and return to normal activities while still providing the therapy that is required.

    What should I expect?

    An infusor pump is small enough to carry in your hand. However, when children are moving around it is generally easier to use a small backpack, an over-the-shoulder carry bag or a waist pouch. The first pump will be attached before you leave hospital. It is then changed each day as the contents will only last about 24 hours. A nurse from Wallaby ward (the RCH’s Hospital-in-the-Home program) will come to your home each day at pre-arranged times to change the pump. These nurses are highly trained in looking after infusor pumps and are available 24-hours a day if you have any issues with the infusor or your child’s IV line while at home.

    Key points to remember

    • Infusor pumps deliver medication through an IV line.
    • The pump is usually changed every 12-24 hours by a nurse or other trained professional.
    • If you have any issues or concerns about the pump, contact the Wallaby ward or, if urgent, your nearest emergency department.

    More information

    • Kids Health Info fact sheet:  Infusor pumps - Care at home
    • The Royal Children's Hospital Wallaby ward: (03) 9345 4770 (available 24 hours)

    References

    Patient Guide Baxter Infusor Range. Retrieved 26 May, 2016 from  http://thehomecalling.com.au/resources/BPS_Patient_Guide_Infusors_Web.pdf

    RCH Wallaby Resources for Parents and Carers. Retrieved 26 May, 2016 from  http://www.rch.org.au/wallaby/resources/

    Infusor Elastomeric Pumps Clinician Guide. Retrieved 26 May, 2016 from  http://www.capca.ca/wp-content/uploads/Baxter-Elastomeric-Pumps-Clinician-Guide11.pdf

     


    Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Platypus and Wallaby wards. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed August 2020.

    Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit  www.rchfoundation.org.au.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.