The drip redesigned
The drip redesigned
A simple fluid level shows the rate against a scale, instead of the standard method of counting drops.
In trials with clinical staff, Flomark patented design has been proven to significantly reduce time taken to set infusion rates in comparison to traditional IV administration sets.
The simple design allows the Flomark to be manufactured at the same competitive cost.
Studies have shown that prescribed rates are rarely adhered to in practice. One study showed that less than 15% of infusions were within +/- 10% of desired rates, while only 21% of observations fell within +/- 20% of desired rates (1). Another showed that 26% were correctly administered at the prescribed rate (percentage error 10% to -10%), 67% were infused too slowly and 8% were infused too quickly (2).
NICE has recently issued guidance on the administration of IV fluids (3)
The cost of inaccurate infusions amounts to USD$3.98 per patient per day (4).
1. In vivo accuracy of gravity-flow i.v. infusion systems, RE Crass and Vance JR, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy February 1, 1985 vol. 42 no. 2 328-331
2. Errors of intravenous fluid infusion rates in medical inpatients. Rooker JC, Gorard DA, Clin Med. 2007 Oct;7(5):482-5
3. Nice guidance CG174 http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG174
4. http://www.varori.co.za/infusion_problem.htm
Variation in set up rates between Flomark and a standard ‘drip counter’ giving set in a sample of 13 practicing nurses. The subjects were not provided with training and were asked to administer a standard 1L bag of 0.9% normal saline over 8 hours (125 mls/hr) ex vivo under experimental conditions. The difference between the two was statistically significant (t test p<0.006).
Deviation from ideal flow rate (mls/hour) over time. The graph represents mean data taken from 12 IL bags of 0.9% Normal Saline administered ex-vivo using either a Flomark giving set or a standard control set over 12 hours. The Flomark maintains the prescribed rate (83.33 mls/hr) for twice as long as the drip count set up, and over the course of the experiment, the difference between the two was statistically significant (1 way ANOVA p=<0.001).
We tested the Flomark against a regular gravity administration set (standard 'drip') with doctors and nurses on the front line of a busy London teaching hospital.
The intuitive design has had unanimously positive feedback from frontline staff. Here's what staff had to say about the Flomark:
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