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MDA/2007/089 - Intravenous (IV) infusion lines: all brands

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Document details:

Type: Medical Device Alert
Series No: MDA/2007/089
Audience: Healthcare professionals
Published:
Format: Electronic and paper
Size: A4
Pages: 3
Price: free
ISBN/ISSN:
Author:
Copyright: Crown
   

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Page 1

Issued: 03 December 2007 at 11:00
Ref: MDA/2007/089

 

 
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Device:
Intravenous (IV) infusion lines: all brands.

>Page 2

Problem:
Risk of back-tracking when more than one IV line is connected through a single access point (see diagram on page 2).
This can lead to:

  1. under infusion
  2. bolus delivery of IV drugs.

>Page 2

Action by:
All medical and nursing staff.		  

Action:

  • Where appropriate, consider using IV lines with one-way valves to prevent backtracking. (Examples of one-way valves are check, non-return or anti-reflux valves or anti-siphon/anti free-flow valves).
  • Apply clamps (where available) to lines not in use.
  • Be aware that needle free connectors are not one-way valves and will allow back-tracking when connected to IV devices.
  

Distributed to:

NHS trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) - Headquarters
Healthcare Commission (CHAI) - Headquarters
Primary care trusts in England - Chief Executives*

* via CE Bulletin

>Page 2

Contacts:
Details of MHRA contacts for technical and clinical aspects.
Change of address or removal from address list for CSCI and Healthcare Commission.

>Page 3



 

Action deadlines for the Safety Alert Broadcast System (SABS)
Deadline (action underway): 14 January 2008
Deadline (action complete): 25 February 2008

Page last modified: 07 February 2008