Syringe Driver

"A syringe driver is a small, battery-powered pump that delivers medication at a constant rate throughout the day and night. Medicines are put in a syringe, and the syringe driver pushes them through a small plastic tube and into the body. The tube is inserted using a very thin needle, which is then removed. It is usually inserted just under the skin on your arm, leg, abdomen. This is sometimes called 'continuous subcutaneous infusion'." Marie Curie (2022)

Syringe drivers are used for a range of reasons but are often found in End of Life care to constantly administer medications for the control of symptoms associated with the dying process. Importantly this is not the only use and patients may require them for a short period whilst either in an acute phase of illness or whilst other options are established.

Read the illustrated guide to Infusion Pumps which contains relevant information on syringe drivers on ClinicalSkills.net here: 

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Infusion Pumps including Syringe Drivers

Subcutaneous infusion of fluids or medications | Clinical Skills 

Navigate to the 'Take a Test' area of ClinicalSkills.net. Please make sure you're logged into ClinicalSkills.net already, otherwise you may not be able to open and take the test. Once you have reached the 'Take a Test' area, select 'Standard Tests' and then click on the test called 'Medical gases and suction' to begin. You will need to score 80% or more to pass. Make sure you've read the ClinicalSkills.net procedure thoroughly before taking the test as many of the answers will be found within there!

• Subcutaneous Infusion