SYRINGE DRIVER CALIBRATION

The test box, in conjunction with some homemade software, enables the Rate Tests to be conducted with minimal user intervention, and removes the frustration of manually timing a number of motor pulses.

The test box uses an AtoD converter to monitor the supply current to the Syringe driver. The Syringe driver is powered by the test box via a dummy battery, connected to the Syringe driver output of the test box. Using this test box and software saves a considerable amount of time, as the user can get on with something else without the fear of missing a motor pulse.

The software for this was written using Microsoft Quick Basic and utilises the Parallel Port of a PC.  Parallel ports are no longer available on modern PC’s.

Download information pack, including circuit diagrams and software.

These syringe drivers were mainly used for palliative care. They have now been superceded by more modern models. These are battery operated devices which administer a drug to a patient over a typical infusion time of 30 mins to 60 hours.

The method for testing would involve timing motor pulses over a set time as each pulse would represent a degree of movement of the syringe.  This was normally done using a stop-watch.