Technology Comparison

Battery Technology Comparison Guide

Sealed Lead Acid vs. NiMH vs. Li-ion - Which is Right for Your Medical Infusion Pumps?

🔋 Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries

Budget-Friendly

Used in: Hospira Plum infusion pumps

Advantages

Lowest upfront cost ($50-100)
Proven reliability in medical applications
Tolerates overcharging well
Works in wide temperature range
Simple charging requirements

Disadvantages

Heaviest option (2-3 lbs)
Shortest cycle life (300-400 cycles)
Sensitive to deep discharge
Requires regular maintenance charging
Lower energy density

Best For:

Budget-conscious facilities
Stationary pump applications
Environments with consistent charging access
General ward use

Typical Specifications:

Voltage:

Capacity:

4.5Ah

Weight:

2.5 lbs

Runtime:

8-12 hours

Lifespan:

2-3 years

Shop Hospira Plum SLA Batteries →

🔋 Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

Balanced Performance

Used in: Alaris 8015, Medfusion 3500

Advantages

Good balance of cost and performance ($100-150)
Higher cycle life (500+ cycles)
Minimal memory effect
Better energy density than SLA
More environmentally friendly than SLA
Tolerates partial charging well

Disadvantages

Moderate weight (1-2 lbs)
Self-discharge rate higher than Li-ion
Performance degrades in extreme temperatures
Requires periodic conditioning cycles

Best For:

High-use clinical environments (ICU, ED)
Applications requiring frequent cycling
Facilities wanting better performance than SLA
Multi-channel infusion systems

Typical Specifications:

Voltage:

7.2-12V

Capacity:

2.1-3.0Ah

Weight:

1.5 lbs

Runtime:

6-10 hours

Lifespan:

3-4 years

Shop Alaris 8015 →Shop Medfusion 3500 →

🔋 Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries

Premium Performance

Used in: Baxter Sigma Spectrum, Medfusion 4000

Advantages

Highest energy density (longest runtime per weight)
Lightest weight (0.5-1 lb)
Longest cycle life (500-800 cycles)
Lowest self-discharge rate
No memory effect
Best for wireless applications
Fastest charging capability

Disadvantages

Highest upfront cost ($150-250)
Requires sophisticated charging circuitry
More sensitive to temperature extremes
Stricter shipping regulations
Safety concerns if damaged

Best For:

Wireless infusion pumps
Patient transport applications
Long surgical procedures
Weight-sensitive applications
High-end clinical environments

Typical Specifications:

Voltage:

7.2-7.4V

Capacity:

1.8-6.9Ah

Weight:

0.8 lbs

Runtime:

4-12 hours

Lifespan:

3-5 years

Shop Baxter Sigma Spectrum →Shop Medfusion 4000 →

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Sealed Lead Acid	NiMH	Li-ion
Cost	$	$$	$$$
Weight	Heavy (2-3 lbs)	Medium (1-2 lbs)	Light (0.5-1 lb)
Cycle Life	300-400	500+	500-800
Energy Density	Low	Medium	High
Self-Discharge	Medium	High	Low
Memory Effect	None	Minimal	None
Temperature Tolerance	Excellent	Good	Fair
Maintenance	High	Medium	Low
Best Use	Stationary	High-cycle	Wireless/Mobile
Lifespan	2-3 years	3-4 years	3-5 years

🎯 Which Battery Technology Should You Choose?

Choose Sealed Lead Acid if:

Budget is primary concern
Pumps are primarily stationary
You have consistent charging infrastructure
Weight is not a concern

View SLA Options →

Choose NiMH if:

You need balanced performance and cost
Pumps are used heavily (ICU, ED)
You want longer cycle life than SLA
Moderate weight reduction is desired

Alaris →Medfusion 3500 →

Choose Li-ion if:

Pumps have wireless connectivity
Weight and portability are critical
You need maximum runtime per charge
Budget allows for premium performance
Long-term cost of ownership is priority

Baxter →Medfusion 4000 →

💡 Expert Recommendation

For most healthcare facilities, we recommend:

General wards: Sealed Lead Acid (cost-effective)
ICU/Critical Care: NiMH (reliability + performance)
OR/Surgical: Li-ion high-capacity (extended runtime)
Emergency Dept: NiMH (durability + quick charge)
Patient Transport: Li-ion (lightweight + long runtime)

Get Personalized Recommendation