All four HQS syringe pumps state ±2% accuracy and take standard syringes from 5 to 60 mL; they differ in how they are programmed and how many lines they run. The SP-30 is the basic single-channel pump with rate, time and dose modes and an 8–10 hour battery. The SP-50 adds a dynamic pressure display, a 2,000-event log and a 12-hour battery. The SP-70 has a 4.3-inch colour touch screen, rate steps of 0.01 mL/h, body-weight, TIVA and drug-library modes, and optional Wi-Fi. The SP-50D runs two independent channels from one housing.
SP-30 vs SP-50 vs SP-70 vs SP-50D: specification comparison
| Specification | SP-30 | SP-50 | SP-70 | SP-50D |
| Channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2, independent |
| Syringes | 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60 mL after calibration | 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60 mL, any standard | Open system; recognises syringe brand and size after calibration | 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60 mL, any standard |
| Accuracy | ±2% with correct calibration | ±2% with correct calibration | ±2% | ±2% with correct calibration |
| Flow rate | 0.1–2000 mL/h (50/60 mL syringe) | 0.1–2000.0 mL/h | 0.01–1500 mL/h, 0.01 mL/h steps | 0.1–2000.0 mL/h (50/60 mL syringe) |
| Programming modes | Rate, time, dose | Rate; drug library and sequential mode optional | Rate, body weight, TIVA, drug library (no less than 2,000 drugs) | Rate, time, dose, drug library, sequential |
| Occlusion pressure | 60 / 90 / 120 kPa (±15) | 60 / 90 / 120 kPa (±15), dynamic pressure display | Real-time pressure display, graphic and numeric | 60 / 90 / 120 kPa (±15), dynamic pressure display |
| Battery | 7.2 V, 2,600 mAh; 8–10 h | 11.1 V, 2,000 mAh; 12 h continuous | 11.1 V, 2,600 mAh; more than 12 h at 5 mL/h; full charge in less than 5 h | 7.2 V, 2,600 mAh; 8 h continuous |
| Mains and DC input | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; DC 12–15 V | AC 100–240 V (±10%), 50/60 Hz | AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz; external DC 12 V | AC 100–240 V (±10%), 50/60 Hz; DC 12–15 V |
| Records and interface | Power-loss memory; RS-232 | 2,000 events; RS-232 | More than 5,000 entries; Mini USB; Wi-Fi optional | 2,000 events; RS-232 |
| Protection | Class I, CF, IP34 | Class I, CF, IPX4 | Class I, CF, IP24 | Class I, CF, IP44 |
| Size and weight | 240 × 150 × 117 mm; 2.0 kg | 240 × 150 × 117 mm; 2.5 kg | 235 × 90 × 120 mm without cover; approx. 1.7 kg | 350 × 150 × 220 mm; 4 kg |
Which HQS syringe pump fits your clinic?
- General practice, one or two infusions at a time: SP-30. It covers rate, time and dose programming, bolus and KVO, and the housings stack vertically or horizontally.
- Hospital wards that review infusion history: SP-50. The 2,000-event log can be checked and downloaded, the pressure display shows line pressure as it builds, and the 12-hour battery covers a long shift away from mains.
- Anaesthesia and ICU work with very small rates or weight-based dosing: SP-70. Rates can be set in 0.01 mL/h steps, the body-weight and TIVA modes calculate the rate from the dose, and the drug library holds no less than 2,000 drugs.
- Two drugs at one patient station: SP-50D. Each channel has its own power switch and operating controls, and the AB channels can also run one after the other in a repeating cycle.
What syringe sizes and brands can each pump use?
The SP-30, SP-50 and SP-50D take 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60 mL standard syringes, and their ±2% accuracy applies once the pump is calibrated for the syringe brand in use. The SP-70 is an open system that recognises the syringe brand and size automatically after calibration. For every model, send HQS the brands and sizes your clinic buys locally, so the pump is calibrated for them before delivery and staff do not have to switch brands to keep the stated accuracy.
The maximum rate on the SP-30 and SP-50D depends on the syringe size: up to 200 mL/h with a 5 mL syringe, 400 mL/h with 10 mL, 800 mL/h with 20 mL, 1,200 mL/h with 30 mL and 2,000 mL/h with 50 or 60 mL.
How low can the infusion rate go for cats and small patients?
The SP-30, SP-50 and SP-50D start at 0.1 mL/h and adjust in 0.1 mL/h or 1 mL/h steps. The SP-70 starts at 0.01 mL/h and adjusts in 0.01 mL/h steps, and its Micro mode caps the maximum rate. For constant-rate infusions in cats, toy breeds and exotics, where the calculated rate can be below 1 mL/h, the SP-70 lets you enter the rate as calculated instead of rounding it to the nearest 0.1 mL/h. The SP-50D dose mode accepts patient weights from 0.1 to 300 kg and doses from 0.001 µg/kg/min.
What happens when the line is blocked?
The SP-30, SP-50 and SP-50D let you choose one of three occlusion-pressure levels: low 60 kPa, medium 90 kPa or high 120 kPa (each ±15 kPa). On all four pumps, the anti-bolus function lowers line pressure after an occlusion is released, so the built-up volume is not pushed into the patient at once; the SP-50D also has an anti-siphon function. The SP-70 shows line pressure in real time as a graph and a number.
Alarms on the SP-50D cover a loose syringe holder, plunger disengagement, flange insertion error, uncalibrated syringe, occlusion, empty and near-empty syringe, abnormal rate, low, empty or missing battery, infusion complete and no action. The SP-50 alarms cover the same main events, with three alarm-volume levels, and the SP-50D adds large, wide-angle colour alarm lights that can be seen across a treatment room.
One SP-50D or two single-channel pumps?
An SP-50D puts two channels in one 350 × 150 × 220 mm, 4 kg housing on a 360° rotatable clamp, with a side clamp to keep the two lines apart. That saves pole space at a crowded ICU or anaesthesia station. Two single-channel pumps weigh about the same in total (2.0–2.5 kg each for the SP-30 or SP-50), can be split between two patients on a quiet day, and leave one pump running if the other goes for service. If your caseload regularly needs two syringe infusions on the same patient, the SP-50D is the tidier set-up; if the second infusion is occasional, two single pumps are more flexible. For larger fluid volumes, compare the IP-70 infusion pump.
Battery, power and mounting checks for your site
All four pumps accept 100–240 V mains (the SP-70 from 110 V), so they work on both 110–120 V and 220–240 V supplies. The SP-30, SP-70 and SP-50D also accept 12–15 V or 12 V DC input, which is useful for mobile work. Battery time ranges from 8 hours (SP-50D) to more than 12 hours at 5 mL/h (SP-70). For wet treatment areas, the published protection ratings are IP44 for the SP-50D, IP34 for the SP-30, IP24 for the SP-70 and IPX4 for the SP-50.
What to include in a syringe pump quotation
- Model, quantity and, for the SP-50, whether you want the optional drug library and sequential mode.
- The syringe brands and sizes the pumps must be calibrated for.
- Pole clamps, stacking or rail hardware, and DC leads if you plan mobile use.
- Communication options: RS-232 cable and protocol, Mini USB, or Wi-Fi on the SP-70.
- Your mains voltage and plug type, and the language you want for the menus and manual.
