Do the Baxa MicroFuse Infusers meet the JCAHO requirements for free-flow protection?
“Free flow” in this context refers to the unregulated flow of IV fluids to a patient. In a Special Report from JCAHO released in January 2003, Goal 5 – Improve the safety of infusion pumps, states”… this goal and its recommendations do not apply to syringe pumps or enteral pumps.” The JCAHO position is appropriate given the low risks posed by syringe infusers such as the MicroFuse Infusers. These units are intended to replace gravity-controlled minibags and IV push for small-volume IV therapies, and are not designed for the general use and critical care applications referenced in the guideline.
