Terumo Infusion Pump Models: Comparison Guide

This comprehensive comparison guide analyzes Terumo's complete line of infusion pumps, helping healthcare professionals and biomedical technicians select the optimal pump model for specific clinical applications and requirements.

Overview

Terumo offers a diverse portfolio of infusion pumps designed to meet varying clinical needs, from basic fluid administration to complex multi-channel therapy delivery. Understanding the differences between models ensures optimal equipment selection and patient safety.

Model Comparison Table

Core Specifications Comparison

Advanced Features Comparison

Detailed Model Analysis

TE-135 Basic Infusion Pump

Entry-level pump for routine fluid administration:

Target Applications:

- General medical units

- Post-operative fluid management

- Basic antibiotic therapy

- Maintenance IV therapy

- Budget-conscious facilities

Key Strengths:

- Simple operation with minimal training required

- Reliable basic functionality

- Cost-effective for high-volume purchases

- Easy maintenance and service

- Compact and lightweight design

Technical Specifications:

- Flow rate accuracy: ±5% at flow rates >5 mL/hr

- Occlusion pressure: 8-12 psi adjustable

- Air detection: 50 microliters minimum

- Power consumption: 15W maximum

- Operating temperature: 10°C to 35°C

- Humidity tolerance: 30% to 75% RH

Limitations:

- No drug library or dose calculation features

- Basic alarm system without smart notifications

- Limited data logging capabilities

- No wireless connectivity options

- Single channel operation only

TE-331 Standard Infusion Pump

Mid-range pump balancing features with value:

Target Applications:

- Med-surg units requiring enhanced safety

- Emergency departments with diverse needs

- Outpatient infusion centers

- Facilities upgrading from basic pumps

- Multi-specialty hospitals

Key Strengths:

- Drug library with 100 common medications

- Color LCD display for better visibility

- Optional wireless connectivity

- Improved accuracy and safety features

- Versatile programming options

Advanced Features:

- Dose error reduction system (DERS)

- Multi-step infusion programming

- Password protection for settings

- Enhanced alarm management

- Optional barcode medication verification

Technical Specifications:

- Flow rate accuracy: ±3% across full range

- Pressure monitoring: 0.1-15 psi with 0.1 psi resolution

- Air detection: 25 microliters sensitivity

- Memory storage: 1000 infusion histories

- Communication: RS-232, USB, optional WiFi

- Certification: FDA Class II, CE marking

Clinical Benefits:

- Reduced medication errors through drug library

- Improved workflow with smart programming

- Better patient safety through enhanced monitoring

- Flexible configuration for different units

- Comprehensive documentation capabilities

TE-171 Advanced Multi-Channel Pump

Premium pump for complex therapy requirements:

Target Applications:

- Critical care and ICU environments

- Complex multi-drug protocols

- Pediatric intensive care

- High-acuity medical units

- Research and specialty applications

Key Strengths:

- Dual independent channels

- Extensive 500-drug library

- Touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation

- Advanced dose calculation and safety checking

- Comprehensive wireless connectivity

Advanced Technologies:

- Smart pump technology with CQI data

- Predictive occlusion detection

- Advanced air-in-line detection with bubble tracking

- Integrated medication barcode verification

- Real-time dose error interception

Technical Specifications:

- Dual channel independence: Complete isolation

- Flow rate precision: ±2% or ±0.1 mL/hr, whichever is greater

- Pressure accuracy: ±1% of full scale

- Detection limits: 10 microliters air detection

- Processing power: ARM Cortex processor

- Storage: 32GB internal memory

Connectivity Features:

- 802.11n WiFi with enterprise security

- Bluetooth LE for mobile applications

- HL7 integration for EMR systems

- Real-time data streaming

- Cloud-based analytics platform

TE-SS500 Precision Syringe Pump

High-precision pump for critical medications:

Target Applications:

- Neonatal and pediatric intensive care

- High-risk medication delivery

- Research and investigational drugs

- Precise micro-dosing applications

- Critical care vasoactive drugs

Key Strengths:

- Exceptional accuracy: ±1% or ±0.02 mL/hr

- High-pressure capability for small-bore tubing

- Extended battery life for transport

- Compact design for space-limited environments

- Specialized drug library for high-risk medications

Precision Features:

- Micro-volume delivery: 0.01 mL resolution

- Force feedback for occlusion detection

- Temperature-compensated delivery

- Syringe recognition with automatic setup

- Zero-dead-space delivery system

Safety Innovations:

- Smart syringe recognition prevents mismatch errors

- Automatic plunger advancement verification

- Enhanced pressure monitoring with predictive algorithms

- Anti-bolus protection during startup

- Comprehensive audit trail for all actions

Key Differences Summary

Use Case Recommendations

Choose TE-135 Basic When:

- Budget is primary consideration

- Basic fluid administration is primary need

- Staff training time must be minimized

- Simple, reliable operation is priority

- Medication safety features not required

Choose TE-331 Standard When:

- Drug library features are needed

- Moderate complexity medications are used

- Color display improves usability

- Optional connectivity may be added later

- Balance of features and cost is important

Choose TE-171 Advanced When:

- Multi-channel capability is required

- Complex medication protocols are common

- Maximum safety features are needed

- Wireless connectivity is essential

- Advanced documentation is required

Choose TE-SS500 Syringe When:

- Highest precision is critical

- Small volume delivery is needed

- High-risk medications are administered

- Space constraints exist

- Pediatric or neonatal applications

Technical Considerations

Maintenance Requirements

Routine Maintenance Comparison:

Service Complexity:

- TE-135: Minimal training required, basic tools

- TE-331: Moderate training, standard test equipment

- TE-171: Advanced training, specialized tools

- TE-SS500: Expert training, precision instruments

Cost Considerations

Total Cost of Ownership Factors:

Initial Purchase Price:

- TE-135: Lowest initial investment

- TE-331: Moderate initial cost

- TE-171: Higher initial investment

- TE-SS500: Premium pricing for precision

Operating Costs:

- Tubing sets and consumables

- Power consumption

- Maintenance and service

- Training and certification

- Software licensing (advanced models)

Value Proposition:

- TE-135: Best value for basic applications

- TE-331: Balanced features and cost

- TE-171: Maximum capability justifies cost

- TE-SS500: Precision value for critical applications

Compatibility Considerations

Tubing Set Compatibility

Administration Set Requirements:

Integration Capabilities

Hospital System Integration:

EMR Integration:

- TE-135: Manual documentation

- TE-331: Basic data export

- TE-171: Full EMR integration

- TE-SS500: Specialized data interfaces

Pharmacy Systems:

- Drug library updates

- Barcode verification

- Dose checking integration

- Medication reconciliation

Support and Parts Availability

Technical Support Levels

Manufacturer Support:

Feature	TE-135 Basic	TE-331 Standard	TE-171 Advanced	TE-SS500 Syringe
Flow Rate Range	1-999 mL/hr	0.1-1200 mL/hr	0.1-1500 mL/hr	0.1-100 mL/hr
Volume Range	1-9999 mL	0.1-9999 mL	0.01-9999 mL	0.01-999 mL
Accuracy	±5%	±3%	±2%	±1%
Pressure Rating	12 psi	15 psi	18 psi	25 psi
Battery Life	4 hours	6 hours	8 hours	12 hours
Weight	3.2 kg	4.1 kg	4.8 kg	1.9 kg
Display	Basic LCD	Color LCD	Touchscreen	OLED
Drug Library	No	100 drugs	500 drugs	200 drugs
Channels	1	1	2	1
Feature	TE-135 Basic	TE-331 Standard	TE-171 Advanced	TE-SS500 Syringe
Wireless Connectivity	No	Optional	Standard	Standard
Barcode Scanning	No	Optional	Standard	Optional
Dose Calculation	Basic	Advanced	Expert	Precision
Data Logging	Limited	Standard	Comprehensive	Detailed
Auto-Programming	No	Basic	Advanced	Standard
Smart Alarms	Basic	Intermediate	Advanced	Specialized
Maintenance Task	TE-135	TE-331	TE-171	TE-SS500
Daily inspection	5 min	8 min	10 min	6 min
Weekly accuracy check	15 min	20 min	25 min	30 min
Monthly calibration	30 min	45 min	60 min	45 min
Annual service	2 hours	3 hours	4 hours	2.5 hours
Model	Compatible Sets	Special Requirements
TE-135	Standard IV sets	Basic cassette
TE-331	Enhanced IV sets	Smart cassette
TE-171	Advanced dual sets	Dual cassette system
TE-SS500	Syringe specific	Precision syringes
Support Level	TE-135	TE-331	TE-171	TE-SS500
Phone support	Business hours	Extended hours	24/7	24/7
Remote diagnostics	No	Optional	Standard	Standard
Software updates	Manual	Automatic	OTA	OTA
Training resources	Basic	Comprehensive	Expert	Specialized

Parts and Service

Component Availability:

- All models: Standard parts available

- Delivery time: 1-3 business days

- Service network: Global coverage

- Warranty: 2-3 years depending on model

- Extended service: Available for all models

Future Considerations

Technology Evolution

Anticipated developments:

Near-term Updates (1-2 years):

- Enhanced AI-driven safety features

- Improved wireless security protocols

- Advanced analytics and reporting

- Mobile app integration

- Voice control capabilities

Long-term Innovations (3-5 years):

- Predictive maintenance algorithms

- Integrated vital signs monitoring

- Advanced drug interaction checking

- Personalized dosing algorithms

- IoT ecosystem integration

Migration Planning

Upgrade pathway recommendations:

From TE-135 to TE-331:

- Minimal retraining required

- Compatible mounting systems

- Gradual feature adoption

- Cost-effective upgrade path

From TE-331 to TE-171:

- Advanced training recommended

- Infrastructure upgrades may be needed

- Comprehensive feature evaluation

- ROI analysis suggested

Selection Decision Matrix

Evaluation Criteria

Clinical Requirements (Weight: 40%):

- Accuracy requirements

- Safety feature needs

- Medication complexity

- Patient population served

- Clinical protocols used

Operational Factors (Weight: 30%):

- Ease of use and training

- Maintenance requirements

- Reliability and uptime

- Integration capabilities

- Workflow efficiency

Financial Considerations (Weight: 20%):

- Initial purchase cost

- Operating expenses

- Training costs

- Maintenance costs

- ROI potential

Strategic Alignment (Weight: 10%):

- Technology roadmap fit

- Vendor relationship

- Standardization benefits

- Future expansion plans

- Regulatory compliance

External References

1. Terumo Infusion Systems Product Catalog (terumo-infusion.com/products)

2. FDA Infusion Pump Safety Guidelines (fda.gov/medical-devices/infusion-pumps)

3. OSHA Healthcare Equipment Safety (osha.gov/healthcare)

*Last Updated: November 9, 2025*

*Reading Time: 12 minutes*

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⚠️ Important: This guide summarizes safe repair practices based on industry best practices and manufacturer guidelines. Always consult the official manufacturer manual for model-specific procedures. Medical equipment repair should only be performed by qualified personnel.