Sigma 8000 with choice of Baxter, Abbott, McGaw tubing config.

Sigma offers volumetric pole-mounted infusion pumps that have a broad variety of uses in both the hospital and homecare environment. Sigma pumps are calibrated for either McGaw, Abbott, or Baxter tubing. Sigma has also recently introduced its newest model, the Sigma 8000. This pump performs all of the functions of the 6000+ Programmable pump, and uses the same standard IV sets. Additional features of the SG 8000 include the ability to be field-calibrated for any one of the three manufacturer's tubings (earlier Sigma models are hard-calibrated at the factory), offers profile TPN infusion programming, entering time and total volume to be delivered, and can be run with the same set for 72 hours (instead of the normal 24) before tubing must be changed without affecting its ± 5 % accuracy. An integral free-flow protection system prevents the set from being withdrawn from the pump without closing the line clamps. New technology built into the sensor system reduces the number of nuisance air-in-line and occlusion alarms, long a problem with earlier Sigma models. Future options will include PCA and bolus-dosing operation, acceptance of syringe applications, time/volume primary and secondary delivery, and calibration of the pump to accept other manufacturer's tubing, such as Medical Specialties' Medstream products. All SIGMA pumps feature linear peristaltic operation, ultrasonic occlusion/air sensor, and use inexpensive standard straight tubing (a major sales feature), are simple to program and operate, and offer micro rates, which makes them useful for pediatric application as well as adult infusion. The 6000, with a 6-part stepped program feature, and the 6000+P, with 12 steps, are also useful for TPN infusions which require custom tapered infusions, or for use as intermittent antibiotic infusion. The 6000+P also offers a number of custom programming features, including keypad lockout. Optional drop sensor, which disables the ultrasonic air sensor in program mode. Each SIGMA pump is calibrated at the factory for use with one of three different manufacturer's tubing sets: McGaw, Baxter, or Abbot. Specialty sets, such as blood or nitroglycerin/lipid sets, are manufactured by SIGMA as well as the three manufacturers. McGaw has recently changed tubing sets and is currently only manufacturing the newer "B" tubing. Use of "B" tubing requires a calibration change on all pumps which previously used the old tubing, and all non-"B"-calibrated pumps will eventually be completely phased out and the manufacture of compatible non-B sets discontinued.