All clinical staff involved in anaesthesia use and manage a wide range of medicines and medical devices.This page has been specifically adapted to the needs of anaesthetists. It includes guidance, safety alerts and links to educational material to assist anaesthetists in the safe use and management of medicines and medical devices.
Latest news and hot topics
14 May 2013 | Medical Device Alert: RÜSCH Macintosh laryngoscopes manufactured by M.A. Arain & Brothers (PVT) Ltd and distributed in the UK by Teleflex (RÜSCH) (MDA/2013/034)
This Medical Device Alert has been issued as there is the potential for the light to flicker or fail when using RÜSCH Macintosh laryngoscopes manufactured by M.A. Arain & Brothers (PVT) Ltd during intubation due to a loose connection between the battery and the battery cap.
09 May 2013 | Medical Device Alert: Defibrillators/monitors used for external pacing with non-invasive transcutaneous pacemaker modules - all manufacturers and all models (MDA/2013/032)
This Medical Device Alert has been issued due to a risk of inadequate external pacing, leading to potential periods of asystole, syncope and possible death.
09 May 2013 | MedicalDeviceAlert: Single use syringes: 50 ml Luer lock manufactured by Terumo Europe (MDA/2013/030)
This Medical Device Alert has been issued as there is a risk of delay or interruption to treatment when using single use syringes manufactured by Terumo Europe.
08 May 2013 | Medical Device Alert: Reinforced endotracheal (ET) tubes manufactured by Unomedical (a ConvaTec company) (MDA/2013/029)
This MDA has beend issues as affected tubes may delaminate, which can lead to constriction of the lumen, resulting in a reduction of airflow to the patient.
01 May 2013 | Medical Device Alert: 1 litre suction canisters and liners manufactured by Hospira (formerly manufactured by Abbott) (MDA/2013/026)
This Medical Device Alert has been issued due to the potential failure or loss of suction of receptal 1 litre suction canisters and liners manufactured by Hospira (formerly manufactured by Abbott).
Drug Safety Update (DSU)
Interactive education modules
Annually many patients and staff are injured needlessly by medical devices that are either used incorrectly or badly maintained. These injuries are often due to user error or poor systems of work, not the device function or design. In these education packages we have tried to give a generic overview of some of the devices that have been reported to us as problematic.
We have produced a series of educational packages that are simple to use, informative and should take no more than thirty minutes to work through. They have all been developed by MHRA staff, some in conjunction with and endorsement by royal colleges and some attract CPD points. They provide valuable dos and don’ts when using and operating medical devices.
Related links
| National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (external link) |
| NHS National Library for Health (external link) |
| Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (external link) |
| Royal College of Anaesthetists (external link) |
| British Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association (BARNA) (external link) |
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Reporting of adverse incidents or adverse drug reactions
Any actual, suspected, potential or avoided adverse event should be reported. Further examples of cases which should be reported are available in the sections below. If in doubt, please report. You can help us by reporting adverse incidents. These reports enable us to identify medical devices and medicines that are of concern and allow us to take appropriate action.
What should I report if I suspect a medicine is associated with an adverse reaction?
Please complete a Yellow Card to report suspected adverse reactions to prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal remedies. For further information, please see www.yellowcard.gov.uk (external link).
Please clarify what a medical device is and what I should report?
Please see our section on reporting safety problems.
Medical Device Alerts (MDAs)
Medical devices and equipment are items used for the diagnosis and/or treatment of disease, for monitoring patients, and as assistive technology. Medical Device Alerts (MDAs) are the MHRA's prime means of communicating safety information to medical device users in health and social care.
Report counterfeit medicines and devices
If you have been offered what you suspect to be counterfeit products, or have seen them for sale or have bought them we would like you to tell us.
If you have any concerns or information that may assist us in tracking down those responsible for counterfeit medicines and devices you can:
- email the Enforcement Group at counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
- ring our 24 hour dedicated hotline on 020 3080 6701
- write to us at Counterfeits, The Intelligence Unit, MHRA, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SZ.
Find out more about counterfeit medicines and medical devices
Guidance and publications
One Liners
One Liners is a short, news sheet for healthcare professionals which highlight problems with medical devices. It is a review of user issues that have been brought to our attention and are generally reports of continuing misuse of simple medical equipment.
All medical devices can fail but an increasing number of incidents reported arise out of user problems or poor practices. The aim of the One Liner is to briefly detail some of these problems in an attempt to make users more aware of what can go wrong - it is all too easy to take equipment for granted.
