Fluid compounding method and apparatus

Abstract

A fluid compounding method and apparatus including a plurality of peristaltic pumps, the tubing for which, on one end, is connected to individual solution dispensing containers, with the other end being coupled through a manifold to an admixed solution receiving container. Each fluid dispensing station is provided with a load cell, each of which individually monitors the weight of the dispensing solution container. Electronic logic circuitry, including a microprocessor and program in read only memory, it utilized and accessed by an operator via a keyboard, into which the operator enters the desired volume and the specific gravity of each of the solutions being dispensed. The circuitry then converts each of these inputs to a weight factor against which the weight of the receiving container is monitored. To commence operation, the weight of each dispensing container is measured and stored, that is, the load cell for each dispensing station senses the weight of the dispensing container and solution. All pumps are then actuated simultaneously, with the weight of the dispensing container at each station being continuously monitored. The first pump to stop will be the pump for the dispensing solution which requires the least weight or volume, with the other pumps then stoppings, in turn, until the pump which is dispensing the greatest volume finally stops. With all pumps being actuated simultaneously, the total fluid compounding time is significantly reduced.