Pre-filled Heparin Syringes
PLEASE POST FOR YOUR STAFF
Your Unit / Area has been identified as an area that uses heparin (100 units/mL) in a 10 mL "green" vial for CVC flushing.
In an effort to reduce the risk of medication errors, eliminate partial vials and wastage, while also reducing preparation and administration time for nursing staff, these vials will be replaced with:
Pre-filled syringes of 3 mL heparin 100 units/mL (in a 10 mL syringe)
These syringes will be used for non-tunneled (Arrow) and tunneled (Hickman) CVCs. In situations where 5 mL of heparin 100 units/mL is required, i.e. Implanted Venous Access Devices (Port or dome), two syringes are to be used.
Stock of the vials on the units (i.e. in the medication carts, etc.) will be removed and replaced with the new pre-filled syringes starting Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006. The goal is to have all stock of the syringes in place by the end of the week - Friday, Nov. 17, 2006. Pharmacy will be responsible for continued stock levels of the syringes on the units.
Please contact Jocelyn Hill (Local 62693) if you have any problems or concerns.