Evaluation of the FASTSTART mode for reducing start-up delay in syringe pump infusion systems.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the IVAC P7000 FASTSTART mode with regard to start-up performance in a 50-ml infusion syringe at a flow rate of 1 ml.h-1. METHODS The time from depression of the start button to first fluid flow (T1) and to establishment of a pre-set flow rate (T2) were gravimetrically recorded with and without FASTSTART and with and without priming of the infusion system with a 1-ml fluid bolus prior to connection of the infusion line to the patient. RESULTS FASTSTART significantly reduced start-up times in the unprimed syringe pump infusion system from (mean [SD]) 9.4 (6.0) to 2.5 (3.5) min for T1 and from 21.8 (9.8) to 9.4 (6.2) min for T2 (all p < 0.001). The greatest improvement in shortening of T1 and T2 was obtained when the system was primed prior to starting (p < 0.0001). After priming the infusion system, FASTSTART shortened T2 by some 50% from 1.4 (1.4) to 0.7 (0.6) min. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that the FASTSTART procedure is effective and that substantial improvements can be obtained by priming the system prior to starting.