A peristaltic pump comprises a pump unit including a pump which receives a replaceable tube. The tube has a transponder, for example an RFID tag, which carries data relating to the tube, which can be read by a reader of the pump unit. On the basis of a comparison between the tube data on the RFID tag and control data held in a memory of the reader, the reader permits operation of the pump unit if the tube data is compatible with the control data, but prevents such operation if the tube data is incompatible with the control data, for example indicting that an incorrect tube has been fitted, or the tube is approaching the end of its predicted operational life.