Advantages and Disadvantages of a Syringe Pump

A syringe pump is basically used to modulate a small amount of liquid flow in a manner that is customizable and economical, and which can be programmed or controlled. They are widely used in the hospital setting in order to inject drugs. In the past few decades, however, they have broadened their uses and have also made themselves quite useful in the field of research.

Since technology allows those in the field to come up with more automized and miniature versions, “smart pumps” have come into the picture, that bring versatility, accuracy, better precision, and factors such as remote programming, access to dosage guidelines and advanced digital data storage.

The advantages of syringe pumps have been listed below:

1)    They offer design flexibility

Based on the application, the design can be modified to suit specific needs. Generally, syringe pumps are made of a step motor. This pushes the plunger with ejects fluid through a needle. The syringe pump, according to its purpose, may have either withdrawal, infusion or both capabilities. There are also syringe pumps that can accommodate multiple syringes. A very high precision can be maintained as they can operate at very small volumetric flow rates.

2)    They control a range of experimental parameters

Various parameters can be controlled according to the requirements. To deal with liquids that have high viscosity, syringe pumps can control pressure. Those equipped with heaters can also offer temperature control. Some of the pumps also offer the facility to switch between different syringes to maximise usability. Most can be programmed for higher accuracy and increased control. Some models can simply be connected to a computer so that it can record the withdrawal or infusion history.

3)    The help in minimizing the error during the instrumental analysis of a sample

Syringe pumps play an important role in minimising errors within the analytical instruments. These include mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Syringe pumps have precise metering capabilities, and facilitate research in microfluidic applications along with the micro-environmental area.

As useful as syringe pumps are, they have certain disadvantages as well, which have been listed below:

1)    Depending upon the resistance, the responsiveness of a syringe pump can be slow. It can take seconds, or it can even take hours.

2)    The volume of the syringe used limits the volume of fluid dispensing.

3)    If there is excessive resistance, this may lead to the build-up of pressure which may lead to failure of the syringe pump.

4)    Flow sensors are necessary to know the flow rate during the transient period.

When you invest in one, keep in mind factors such as syringe pump price.

The best place to purchase a syringe pump is Smart Medical Buyer. Smart Medical Buyer is an online platform that deals with hospital supplies, surgical instruments and other equipment such as stethoscope for medical students in India.