specimen with medicine?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

I work in a small clinic and am uncomfortable that we keep urine, wound, gc/chlam specimens in with were we keep our bicillian, insulin, and other meds. I know there is no food allowed with meds or cultures, but can anyone help me find where food and specimens need to be away from each other? I have looked on cdc and Texas health and human resources, but cant find the notification......help! (please) duh, I live in Texas if that makes a difference....

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We just had our Joint Commission review and they would have had a fit if they saw contaminated items (ie, specimens) in with meds. I would check their web site.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

I did try but it got muddled with all the other information. My don has been a nurse for 30 years, I find it hard to believe that she doesnt understand you I have a problem with this.

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totally unacceptable, but i cant cite anything for you. But i dont really see why you should need anything, it is just common sense.

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i would take a peek at the fda and/or osha?

leslie

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

Thank you to all. I have spent probley a total of 16 hours looking at all the above suggestions and cant find the literature to prove our point. Thank you all!

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Thank you to all. I have spent probley a total of 16 hours looking at all the above suggestions and cant find the literature to prove our point. Thank you all!

hmmm have you tried the CDC? and the local health dept?.....at least keep the dirty down and the clean up

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Specializes in CVICU.

:barf01:

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

We have policies written that state food has to be kept in a seperate location from medications and specimens. In fact, we have 3 refrigerators, one for food, one for meds and the specimen fridge is in the dirty utility room. I certainly believe this is common sense...I mean, if they tell you that you should wash your hands before and after meals, it makes no rationale sense to me that specimens should be contained anyplace where people have to consume things, may it be by mouth or injection. Your DON must be NUTS.

It does make me wonder of the set up of the clinic (not that this is an excuse); are there more than one refrigerator? Where do people place their personal lunches, condiments, etc...?

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