Trumpet And Start-Up Curves; Introduction - Cardinal Health Alaris 8000 Series Directions For Use Manual

Pump and Syringe Modules
In this instrument, as with all infusion systems, the action of
the pumping mechanism and variations in individual
administration sets cause short-term fluctuations in rate
accuracy. The following graphs show typical performance of
the system, as follows:
• Accuracy during various time periods over which fluid
delivery is measured (trumpet curves).
• Delay in onset of fluid flow when infusion commences
(start-up curves).
Trumpet curves are named for their characteristic shape.
They display discrete accuracy data averaged over particular
time periods or "observation windows", not continuous data
versus operating time.
Over long observation windows, short-term fluctuations have
little effect on accuracy, as represented by the flat part of the
curve. As the observation window is reduced, short-term
fluctuations have greater effect, as represented by the
"mouth" of the trumpet. Knowledge of system accuracy over
various observation windows may be of interest when certain
drugs are being administered.
Because the clinical impact of short-term fluctuations on rate
accuracy depends on the half-life of the drug being infused
and on the degree of intravascular integration, the clinical
effect cannot be determined from the trumpet curves alone.
Knowledge of the start-up characteristics should also be
considered.
The start-up curves represent continuous flow rate versus
operating time for 2 hours from the start of the infusion. They
exhibit the delay in onset of delivery due to mechanical
compliance and provide a visual representation of uniformity.
Trumpet curves are derived from the second hour of this data.
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General Information

Trumpet and Start-Up Curves

Introduction

FU
FU
RATE (mL/h)
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
SELECT
PAUSE
PAUSE
CHANNEL
OFF
CHANNEL
OFF RESTART
RESTART
Alaris System Directions for Use
®
Pump and Syringe Modules Section