Hello Everyone!
Our OR is starting a new infection prevention program dealing with OR issues.
Currently, techs will configure the IV tubing prior to a case and place the tubing sets in the anesthesia drawer. Caps are kept intact on the tubing chamber and male ends.
1. Do you think it is acceptable to set up and flush the IVs in preop? If yes, then what is the time frame in which they need to be used or discarded?
I know I cringed when I first read this, but then I started to think. Well, we have IV tubing not connected to catheters hang for 24 hours if they are used intermittently. What would be the difference if this was to happen in the OR.
I think the tech could set up the configuration on a case by case basis, but not keep set ups in the drawers. What do you all think?
Thanks!
Vanessa, RN-BC, MN
No, this is not acceptable practice and it is coming from the USP <797>, Compounding Sterile Preparations. The limit is 1 hour. So IV fluids and sets should not be opened and primed greater than 1 hour before it is used. Chapters less than 1000 in the USP standard is mandatory. Check with your pharmacy about these regulations. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861