CME BodyGuard 545 Color Vision Directions For Use Manual page 14

1 - Introduction
Trumpet Curves
With the BodyGuard 545 Color Vision , as with all infusion systems, the action of the
TM
pumping mechanism and variations cause short term fluctuations in rate accuracy.
The following curves show typical performance of the system in two ways:
1. The accuracy of fluid delivery over various time periods is measured (trumpet
curves).
2. The delay in onset of fluid flow when infusion commences (start up curves).
Trumpet curves are named for their characteristic shape. They display discrete data
averaged over particular time periods or "Observation windows", not continuous data
versus operating time. Over long observation windows, short-term fluctuation has little
effect on accuracy as represented by the flat part of the curve. As the observation
window is reduced, short-term fluctuations have greater effects 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. Short-term fluctuations in rate accuracy
may have clinical impact depending on the shelf life of the drug being infused and the
degree of inter-vascular integration. The clinical effect cannot be determined from the
trumpet curves alone.
BodyGuard 545 Color Vision™ Directions For Use 14