The Accu-Chek Spirit insulin pump, manufactured in Switzerland by Disetronic Medical Systems (a subsidiary of Roche Diagnostics Corp.), is now available in the United States. The pump “system,” which includes the Spirit insulin pump, a Palm PDA with Accu-Chek Pocket Compass software, a choice of one of three Accu-Chek blood glucose meters, and a choice of carrying case, will begin shipping on October 30.
A “smartphone” with the Pocket Compass software can be substituted for the Palm PDA for an additional fee. The PDA and smartphone both feature a bolus calculator that can be used to program the pump remotely for bolus delivery, without necessitating removal of the pump from the user’s pocket, bra pouch, or wherever else it is worn.
The Accu-Chek Spirit pump holds 315 units of insulin, which is more than any other pump currently on the market in the United States. (The closest models hold 300 units.) It also features a reversible graphics display, meaning that the pump screen is never “upside down.” In addition, the Spirit pump uses a standard Luer lock connection, making it compatible with virtually all infusion sets, and is powered by one AA battery, which lasts about four weeks. To find out more about the pump’s specs, you can visit its Features & Specifications page.
The Accu-Chek Spirit pump is not a wholly new product—it is already sold and supported in 30 countries. It was not previously available in the United States because of an import alert issued in 2003 by the FDA expressing concerns about documentation and tracking of pump components at Disetronic’s facility in Switzerland. However, this alert has now been lifted after a more recent inspection of the site.
More information about the Accu-Chek Spirit pump system can be found at www.disetronic-usa.com.
