There is a reported risk with the use of non-recommended syringes in Alaris syringe pumps, manufactured by CareFusion.
The non-recommended syringes are reported to have a broken spring in the plunger which may cause unintended bolus (usually chewed up mass in the mouth) of medication.
MHRA medical alert
The problem wasn’t identified by the medical technology manufacturer, and was instead brought to the attention of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who then issued a medical device alert on 22 December 2016.
The medical device alert notes the following action points:
- If the pump keeps showing ‘check syringe’ alarms, contact CareFusion to discuss how to check the springs housed in the plunger holder;
- Use only the recommended syringes listed in the instructions for use for these pumps;
- Ensure all syringe pumps are regularly maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All staff who use these devices should undertake these actions no later than 7 February 2017. To minimise the risk of built up bolus of medication, it’s advisable that non-recommended syringes with a pump that has a broken spring shouldn’t be used with the syringe driver plunger.
CareFusion notes that there hasn’t been an increased risk of this problem when recommended syringes are used with the pumps.
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