Modes: PCA, mL/hr and dose rate
The Agilia SP PCA syringe pump is able to operate in many different modes to satisfy your clinical needs.
The device itself can hold up to 19 individually customised Profiles.
If you have connected your devices via WiFi to the Centerium server then Profile updates can be done wirelessly.
To jump quickly to details about a particular mode select an option below:
PCA: Continuous mode
When running in continuous mode only a background continuous rate can be used.
No patient-initiated bolus can be given.
Clinician bolus can be given when required assuming that the PCA drug protocol in use has had this feature enabled by your Pharmacist.
If Clinician bolus has been disabled then no bolus can be given.
The video below shows the programming of a PCA continuous only infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
Continuous mode example
PCA: Bolus only mode
When running in bolus only mode then no continuous background infusion rate can be set.
The only way for the patient to receive medication is through a patient-initiated bolus using the handset or by a Clinician bolus.
The video below shows the programming of a PCA bolus only infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
Bolus only example
PCA: Continuous & bolus mode
In this mode BOTH a continuous background rate and patient-initiated bolus can be programmed and run.
Clinician bolus is also available.
NOTE a continuous rate is mandatory in this mode. You cannot, if required, set the continuous rate to zero and only have patient-initiated bolus available.
The video below shows the programming of a PCA continuous & bolus infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
Continuous & bolus example
PCA: Variable rate mode
This may be an infusion mode you are unfamiliar with or have not used before.
Variable rate mode is similar to the continuous & bolus mode as it also allows for a background infusion rate and patient-initiated bolus however the continuous rate can be set to automatically change three times at different times of the day.
As an example you could set your infusion up to do the following automatically:
8am - 6pm: run at 1mL/hr with patient-initiated bolus available
6pm - 10pm: run at 0.5 mL/hr with patient-initiated bolus available
10pm - 8am: run at 0.1 mL/hr with patient-initiated bolus available
If you selected the variable rate mode, after programming the PCA boluses, the date/time screen is displayed. It is important to check the current date and time are correct before you program the start time for varying infusion rates. If required you can change the current date/time.
The video below shows the programming of a PCA variable rate infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
Variable rate mode example
mL/hr mode
If required you can set up your own mL/hr infusions using either Drug X (mL/h) or a drug protocol set up in mL/hr.
NOTE Drug X (mL/h) may not be enabled for your Profile. This is a configurable option set when your data set for the device is finalised. Your Profile may also not contain any non-PCA drug protocols set up in mL/hr.
When running in mL/hr mode there is no patient-initiated bolus available or Clinician bolus. The light on the PCA bolus handset will not be illuminated signalling it is not available for use.
If a bolus is required then either a direct or programmed bolus may be available depending on the settings of that particular drug protocol. Please select HERE to go to the bolus page of the Agilia SP PCA support section.
The video below shows the programming of a mL/hr infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
mL/hr mode example
Dose rate mode
If required you can set up your own dose rate infusions using either Drug X (dose) or a drug protocol set up in a dose rate such as microg/kg/min.
NOTE Drug X (dose) may not be enabled for your Profile. This is a configurable option set when your data set for the device is finalised. Your Profile may also not contain any non-PCA drug protocols set up at a dose rate.
When running in dose rate mode there is no patient-initiated bolus available or Clinician bolus. The light on the PCA bolus handset will not be illuminated signalling it is not available for use.
If a bolus is required then either a direct or programmed bolus may be available depending on the settings of that particular drug protocol. Please select HERE to go to the bolus page of the Agilia SP PCA support section.
The video below shows the programming of a dose rate infusion to give you an idea of the workflow on the device.
Dose rate mode example
If you require more information on any of the Agilia SP PCA infusion modes either review the Instructions for Use document, available HERE or contact your local Fresenius Kabi Account Manager or Clinical Support Specialist.