Design and implementation of iv infusion system with direct flow rate control and automated safety stoppage for crowed hospitals

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) therapy remains a cornerstone of inpatient medical treatment. However, in overcrowded hospitals, manual monitoring is prone to human error, delays, and safety risks such as over-infusion, under-infusion, or air embolism. This project presents the design and implementation of a low-cost, real-time IV infusion monitoring system with direct flow rate control and automated safety stoppage, tailored for over crowed public hospitals. Utilizing a LoRa WAN network, the system wirelessly transmits real-time data on flow rate and volume infused, ensuring remote monitoring across hospital wards. Key components include an IR sensor for accurate drop detection, a servo motor for automated tube clamping, a microcontroller for control logic, and a user interface for inputting parameters. Safety mechanisms such as flow anomaly alarms, occlusion detection, and automatic shutoff are integrated to enhance patient safety. The system demonstrated reliable performance in both open field and indoor environments. The system demonstrated reliable performance in both open field and indoor environments, achieving a maximum wireless transmission range of up to 5000 meters in open spaces and 346 meters indoors. Despite challenges like signal attenuation, the system maintained a flow rate accuracy of 96.75%, as confirmed through repeated comparison with manual measurements. This innovation significantly reduces nurse workload, increases efficiency, and enhances patient care in resource constrained healthcare environments.