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What Is An Elastomeric Pump?

An elastomeric pump is a small infusion device that delivers medication from an elastic reservoir at a controlled rate. It does not need batteries or electronic programming. The stretched reservoir slowly pushes medication through tubing and into an IV line, catheter, or other approved access device. It is used for selected home, outpatient, and hospital infusion plans.

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What Is An Elastomeric Pump?

An elastomeric pump is a small infusion device that delivers medication from an elastic reservoir at a controlled rate. It does not need batteries or electronic programming. The stretched reservoir slowly pushes medication through tubing and into an IV line, catheter, or other approved access device. It is used for selected home, outpatient, and hospital infusion plans.

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How Does An Elastomeric Pump Work?

The medication is placed inside the elastic reservoir, which creates gentle pressure as it contracts. A flow restrictor or tubing system controls how quickly the medication is delivered. The pump is often carried in a pouch or worn during treatment. Flow can be affected by temperature, tubing position, medication type, clamp status, and device design.

When Is An Elastomeric Pump Used?

An elastomeric pump can be used for chemotherapy, antibiotics, pain medicine, local anesthetic, or other prescribed infusions. It is common when a steady infusion is needed outside a hospital bed. Some patients go home with the pump and return when the infusion is complete. The care team decides whether the pump fits the medication, dose, access line, and patient training needs.

Elastomeric Pump Safety Checks

Patients and caregivers should know how to check the clamp, tubing, access site, pump label, and expected infusion time. The pump should be kept at the temperature range listed in the instructions because heat or cold can change the flow rate. The access site should be checked for redness, swelling, leaking, pain, or dressing problems. Call the care team if the pump empties too fast, does not shrink, leaks, or the line disconnects.

Elastomeric Pump Care And Disposal

The pump should stay clean, dry, and protected from pulling or pressure. Do not squeeze the reservoir or change the tubing setup unless trained staff tell you to do so. Used pumps, tubing, and needles should be returned or discarded based on the care team's instructions. Medication spills, fever, rash, chest pain, or trouble breathing need prompt medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elastomeric Pumps

Does An Elastomeric Pump Need Batteries?

No. The pump uses pressure from an elastic reservoir to deliver medication. It does not use electronic programming or battery power.

Can You Shower With An Elastomeric Pump?

Only shower if your care team says it is safe for your pump and access line. The pump, dressing, and tubing can need to stay dry.

Why Is My Elastomeric Pump Not Getting Smaller?

The clamp can be closed, the tubing can be kinked, or the line can be blocked. Contact your care team for instructions instead of changing the setup on your own.

Can An Elastomeric Pump Deliver Medicine Too Fast?

Yes. Flow rate can change if the pump gets too warm, is positioned incorrectly, or the device is not working as expected. Call the care team if the pump empties much sooner than planned.

References

Infusion Pump Glossary. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/infusion-pumps/infusion-pump-glossary. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Clinical Procedure: Elastomeric Infusion System. eviQ. https://www.eviq.org.au/clinical-resources/pumps/1022-elastomeric-infusion-system. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Treatment Through an Elastomeric Infusor. eviQ. https://www.eviq.org.au/patients-and-carers/patient-information-sheets/how-you-have-anticancer-medicine-treatment/502-elastomeric-infusion-system. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

What Is an Elastomeric Infusion Pump and How Is It Used? SickKids Connected Care. https://connectedcare.sickkids.ca/what-is-an-elastomeric-pump/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Feasibility, Effectiveness and Safety of Elastomeric Pumps for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10525832/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.