Dual-line infusion through a single patient line

The Hospira Plum A+ is a cassette-based volumetric infusion system with two input lines (Line A and Line B) and one output line. This dual-line architecture allows clinicians to run primary and secondary (piggyback) infusions or deliver two medications concurrently through a single patient access site — eliminating the need for a second IV site or an external Y-connector. Concurrent delivery supports a minimum of 0.5 ml/h per line up to a combined maximum of 500 ml/h. Automated secondary line delivery eliminates the need to raise and lower infusion containers, improving workflow efficiency and reducing the risk of gravity-dependent errors.

PlumSet cassette with built-in free-flow protection and air management

The Plum A+ uses Hospira’s PlumSet Macro Cassette — a self-contained pumping unit with integrated inlet and outlet valves, proximal and distal pressure sensing diaphragms, an air trap chamber, and built-in free-flow protection. The closed air management system captures up to 2 ml of accumulated air within the cassette’s air trap. When air is detected, the pump can perform an automated back-prime — routing fluid from Line A in reverse through Line B to flush air from the cassette — without disconnecting the patient line. This reduces contamination risk and minimizes therapy interruptions caused by nuisance air-in-line alarms, a common frustration with open-air-management systems.

Precision flow and 15 dose-calculation units

Flow rates range from 0.1 to 999 ml/h with 0.1 ml/h resolution below 100 ml/h and 1 ml/h resolution above — delivering ±5% accuracy across the 1–999 ml/h range and ±10% at the lowest rates (0.1–0.9 ml/h). The Plum A+ supports 15 dose-calculation delivery units including ml/h, mcg/kg/min, mg/hr, units/hr, mEq/hr, and ng/kg/min, covering the full spectrum of clinical dosing from weight-based critical care drips to simple rate-and-volume infusions. Titration allows rate adjustments during an active infusion, and the VTBI range extends from 0.1 to 9,999 ml.

Integrated drug library with hard and soft limits

The Plum A+ includes an integrated Custom Drug Library with configurable hard and soft dosing limits for each medication. Hard limits prevent programming outside of absolute safe ranges; soft limits generate override-able advisory alerts that can be accepted or rejected by the clinician. The drug library is downloaded to the pump in Biomed mode and can be customized by facility or clinical care area. When upgraded to Hospira MedNet safety software via the Plug ‘n Play module, the pump gains networked drug library management, auto-programming from physician orders sent directly to the infuser, and compliance reporting — providing a scalable path from standalone infuser to fully integrated medication management system.

Variable occlusion pressure and comprehensive alarm system

The Plum A+ features user-selectable distal occlusion pressure from 1 to 15 psig (factory default 6 psig), allowing clinicians to match occlusion sensitivity to the clinical scenario — lower settings for neonatal and pediatric patients, higher settings for viscous fluid delivery or high-resistance access devices. Both proximal (upstream) and distal (downstream) occlusion detection are integrated. The comprehensive alarm system monitors for air-in-line, back-priming status, low battery, proximal and distal occlusion, turn to run, flow detector faults, VTBI complete / dose end, infuser idle, and no-action conditions. Mandatory confirmation screens at key programming steps help clinicians avoid medication errors.

Battery backup and administration set compatibility

The Plum A+ contains an internal rechargeable 6V sealed lead-acid battery that provides approximately 6 hours of operation at 125 ml/h or less on one line, or delivers at least 500 ml at rates above 126 ml/h. The battery charges automatically whenever the pump is connected to AC power, with a recharge time of approximately 6 hours. Self-discharge retains 50% charge for a minimum of one month when the pump is not connected or operating. The Plum A+ is fully compatible with the LifeCare Plum Series administration sets and LifeShield/CLAVE needleless protection systems. At 9.5 lbs and 8 × 8 × 6 inches, it accommodates standard pole-mount configurations alongside other Plum A+ units or the Plum A+3 triple-channel tandem carrier for high-acuity multi-channel setups.

FDA device corrections and safety bulletins

Multiple FDA device corrections and safety bulletins have been issued for the Hospira / ICU Medical Plum A+ and Plum A+3 infusion systems over the product’s lifecycle. The most significant is a Class I battery correction (initially issued March 2023, updated May 2024) related to a manufacturing defect in replacement batteries that can cause substantially diminished battery life. When running on battery power without AC backup, affected pumps may stop an ongoing infusion and power down sooner than expected — potentially causing interruptions, underinfusions, or delays in delivery of critical medications. A separate Class I counterfeit battery alert (October 2024) identified allegedly counterfeit CSB batteries in use with Plum infusion systems that have not been tested or validated. ICU Medical’s recommended actions include keeping the pump connected to AC power whenever possible, ensuring the battery is fully charged before transport, closely monitoring the battery status indicator when disconnected from AC, having a backup pump available during all infusions, replacing batteries when a replace-battery alarm is triggered, and verifying that all batteries carry an ICU Medical Test Label or CE Mark. Additional Class 2 device corrections have addressed software, cassette door, and alarm-related issues across various production lots.

Because FDA device corrections and safety communications may be updated or expanded after the date of this listing, IPR Medical recommends that facilities also check the FDA’s official resources directly to ensure they have the most current information:

FDA Medical Device Recalls Database — search by product name or manufacturer for the latest classified recall and correction notices.
FDA Medical Device Safety — safety communications, early alerts, and recall announcements.

If you have questions about whether a specific correction applies to your pump’s serial number or software version, or if you need assistance implementing a correction, contact IPR Medical at 855-477-8866 or cs@iprmed.com.

Important: There is no need to return or discontinue use of Plum A+ pumps due to the battery corrections. Follow the manufacturer’s updated battery instructions and contact IPR Medical if your pump displays a Replace Battery alarm or if you need a verified replacement battery. Do not use batteries that do not have an ICU Medical Test Label or CE Mark on the label. For the most current FDA correction information, visit fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-safety.

IPR Medical — sales, repairs, and parts

IPR Medical buys, sells, repairs, and stocks parts for the Hospira Plum A+ and Plum A+3. Whether you need a recertified pump ready for immediate deployment, replacement batteries, cassette doors, pole clamps, or a full repair and recertification, IPR Medical’s infusion pump service team has the expertise and inventory to support your fleet. Annual preventive maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer — contact IPR Medical to schedule service or request a quote.

IPR Medical buys, sells, repairs, and stocks parts for the Hospira Plum A+. Contact us at 855-477-8866 or cs@iprmed.com for pricing, repairs, parts, or technical support.