Fault detection apparatus for parenteral infusion system

Apparatus and related method for use in a parenteral administration system, for detecting fault conditions such as an infiltration, an open fluid line or an air bubble in the fluid line. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use with a parenteral adminis­tration system of the type that includes a pulsing infusion device for incrementally infusing fluid through a fluid tube to a patient's venous or arterial system. The apparatus qualitatively evaluates the pressure in the fluid tube to detect characteristic patterns indicative of each such fault condition and actuates an alarm whenever one is detected.