Harvard Apparatus PUMP 11 ELITE GC Glucose Clamp Infusion Pump
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | PUMP 11 ELITE GC |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Harvard Apparatus PUMP 11 ELITE GC is a precision-engineered dual-channel infusion pump specifically designed for glucose clamp studies in preclinical research. It operates on the principle of controlled, synchronized intravenous delivery of glucose and insulin—core requirements for hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic or hyperglycemic clamp protocols. Unlike general-purpose syringe pumps, the PUMP 11 ELITE GC integrates clamp-specific algorithms directly into its firmware, enabling real-time calculation and dynamic adjustment of infusion rates based on user-defined physiological parameters (e.g., animal body weight, glucose concentration, target blood glucose level, and desired insulin dose). This eliminates manual recalculations and minimizes protocol-induced variability—critical for reproducible metabolic phenotyping in rodent models of diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance.
Key Features
- Integrated glucose clamp software with touchscreen interface—no external PC required for setup or operation
- Dual independent channels supporting simultaneous infusion of glucose and insulin (or tracer compounds such as [³H]- or [¹⁴C]-glucose)
- Real-time dose-rate programming: input animal weight (g), stock solution concentrations (mg/mL or mmol/L), and target infusion rate (mg/kg/min or mU/kg/min); pump auto-calculates and displays corresponding syringe flow rate (µL/min)
- On-screen display of previous and current dose rates—including historical rate logging during active clamp runs
- Live rate adjustment capability: modify infusion parameters mid-experiment without interrupting pump operation or requiring system reset
- Three operational states visualized via intuitive UI: Idle (standby), Running (active infusion), and Stopped (paused with preserved settings)
- Compatible with standard glass or plastic syringes (0.5–60 mL) and Luer-lock tubing systems used in chronic catheterization models
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PUMP 11 ELITE GC supports a wide range of biologically relevant solutions, including sterile aqueous D-glucose (5%, 10%, 20% w/v), human/porcine insulin formulations (e.g., Humulin R, Actrapid), radiolabeled tracers, and co-infused pharmacological agents. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The pump’s firmware architecture supports audit trail generation and user-access-level configuration—aligning with GLP-compliant workflows where traceability of infusion parameters is essential. While not FDA-cleared for human use, the system meets ISO 13485 design control principles for research-grade medical devices and is routinely deployed in IACUC-approved rodent metabolic studies compliant with NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Software & Data Management
The embedded software provides full standalone functionality: no drivers, no third-party applications, and no network dependency. All clamp logic—including Bolus-Infusion mode, variable-rate ramping, and feedback-driven rate modulation—is executed locally on the pump’s ARM-based controller. Data export is supported via USB mass storage mode: CSV-formatted logs capture timestamped infusion rates, elapsed time, syringe position, and user-modified parameters. These files are compatible with MATLAB, GraphPad Prism, and Python-based analysis pipelines used in quantitative metabolic modeling. Optional integration with Harvard’s Catalyst™ data acquisition platform enables synchronized recording of blood glucose measurements (via glucometer or microdialysis analyzers) and infusion events—facilitating closed-loop clamp automation under custom algorithmic control.
Applications
- Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in C57BL/6, db/db, ob/ob, and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and rats
- Hyperglycemic clamp for assessment of β-cell function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS)
- Tracer-based glucose turnover analysis using stable or radioactive isotopes
- Pharmacodynamic evaluation of novel antidiabetic compounds (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors)
- Combined clamp-infusion paradigms involving co-administration of hormones (e.g., glucagon, epinephrine) or neurotransmitters
- Long-duration clamps (>4 h) enabled by high-precision stepper motor control and low-drift volumetric accuracy (±0.35% typical over 24 h)
FAQ
Is the PUMP 11 ELITE GC suitable for use in non-rodent species such as rabbits or minipigs?
Yes—provided appropriate syringe sizes, catheter calibrations, and dose-rate scaling are applied per species-specific metabolic body weight exponents (e.g., mg/kg0.75). Protocol validation is recommended prior to first use.
Can the pump be integrated into an automated clamp system with real-time blood glucose feedback?
Yes—via TTL or analog voltage output signals triggered by external glucose monitors; Harvard offers application notes for interfacing with commercial glucometers and custom microdialysis analyzers.
Does the device support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records?
No—the PUMP 11 ELITE GC does not include electronic signature or role-based access controls required for Part 11 compliance; however, exported CSV logs may be archived within a validated LIMS or ELN system that fulfills those requirements.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term calibration stability?
Annual verification using gravimetric or fluorometric flow calibration methods is recommended; Harvard provides NIST-traceable calibration kits and service documentation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory practices.
