JPen Medical
3rd July 2023
T34 Syringe Driver Basics
The T34 syringe driver (also known as a syringe pump) is a small, lightweight and portable battery-operated device designed to deliver a subcutaneous infusion of medications or fluids at a constant rate over a 24-hour period. It is widely used in primary and community care settings, such as care homes and hospices, as an alternative method of delivering medications safely and comfortably for patients unable to receive oral medication.
In this blog we'll steer you through the basics of the syringe driver's intended use, operation, key features, benefits and things to be aware of.
The T34 syringe driver is designed for patients often receiving a palliative care - who require prescribed pain and symptom medication, but who are unable to tolerate oral medication for whatever reason. They are also often used to administer medicines to vulnerable patients in care homes and hospices, where regular movement or minimised disruption maybe necessary to the patient's health and wellbeing.
Health issues that require the use of a syringe driver over other delivery methods might include nausea and vomiting or gastro-intestinal obstruction, swallowing difficulties, agitation or breathing issues. The device ensures a consistent and precise delivery that is key to effective patient care and comfort.
Symptoms and medicines commonly managed using a syringe driver include:
- Analgesics for managing pain, such as morphine, diamorphine, oxycodone and alfentanil.
- Anti-emetics for managing nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide, cyclizine and levomepromazine.
- Sedatives for managing agitation or seizures, such as midazolam
- Anti-secretory drugs, such as hyoscine butylbromide, hyoscine hydrobromide, glycopyrronium.
Benefits and things to watch out for
Using a T34 syringe driver provides several benefits to patients when the oral route for medication delivery no longer works. As the medicines are administered gradually over a 24-hour period through one syringe, fewer injections are required. This makes the T34 a simple and comfortable delivery method fro patient care.
The syringe driver offers precise drug administration, reducing the risk of under or over-medication and making it a reliable and safe method of delivering medicine. The driver's compact and portable design also makes it a useful choice for patients who prefer home-based care or need to stay mobile.
As with any medication delivery method, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Initiating use of a syringe driver in a patient during palliative care may cause them some concern, because of the perception that they are often required when a patient is close to death. This is not the case, however. Syringe drivers can be useful for managing symptoms at any stag of illness. It is important, therefore, to discuss any concerns with the patient and their family, and to provide reassurance.
It is also essential to address practical issues with patients, family and carers - such as spotting signs of irritation or infection, what to do if the pump stops working (see key features below) and how to minimise the impact of carrying a syringe driver on daily life.
A syringe containing an infusion of medicines, prescribed by a specialist nurse or doctor, is inserted into the driver or pump. At the other end of the syringe, there is a thin tube (cannula) which is connected to a tiny needle. The needle is inserted just under the patient's skin, usually in the upper chest, arm, leg or abdomen. The needle and cannula are held in place by a small, clear dressing. This helps to keep the area clean, dry and visible for signs of irritation or infection.
The medicines will be administered at a constant rate from the syringe, via the cannula to the patient. A new syringe of medicines will be set up once per day, at the same time each day.
The cannula can usually stay in place for seven days. If the skin area gets sore, it can be changed sooner.
The syringe driver or pump features a lockbox, where the syringe is locked inside during the administration of the medicines. The prevents unintentional button-pressing or changes with the device settings, ensuring consistent and accurate medication delivery.
Who can operate a syringe driver?
While the T34 syringe driver is designed with simplicity in mind, it is crucial that operators are adequately trained for safe and effective use. Healthcare professionals such as registered nurses are the primary operators and must be trained and competent to set up the syringe driver and program the medicine delivery.
The nurse will also inspect the syringe pump regularly to make sure it is working correctly, that the cannula is comfortable for the patient and there are no problems with the medicines. They will change the syringe and the battery in the pump as an when required. In care homes and hospices, nursing staff who attend to patients will operate their syringe pumps and ensure that they are properly inspected and maintained.
Key feature - battery power supply
The T34 operates on a single Alkaline C-cell battery, providing approximately six weeks of life under regular usage. Replacing the battery is as simple as sliding the old one out and fitting the new one in, with no complex steps involved. Battery operation also means that patients can move between different locations or stay active with greater ease.Key feature - safety alarms, lights and display
The T34 syringe driver is designed with safety and reliability in mind. It comes equipped with alarms for various scenarios such as occlusions, end of infusion and low battery. A display screen will also indicate battery life, as well as alert to any issues.
When the syringe pump is working correctly, a green light above the on/off button will flash regularly. The light will turn red or stop altogether if any issue occurs - providing clarify, and notifying the operator of any action required.
Key feature - Event log
The T34 features an event log that records the time and date of the last 512 pump events along with a details of pump status (volume infused, rate, etc.) at the time of the event. Event log data cannot be deleted or altered. This feature is valuable for troubleshooting issues and maintaining accountability.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the T34 syringe driver is a precision tool designed with patient safety and ease of use in mind. As a method of medicine delivery, the T34 provides accuracy, flexibility, and peace of mind in many different settings - including care homes, hospices and hospitals.
For more advice and information about T34 syringe drivers or other medical devices to suit your needs, contact our expert staff by email at info@jpenmedical.co.uk or call 0333 005 0476
