Backpriming still a thing?

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Specializes in Former Traveler- Tele/ now Educator.

Found an article that suggested the Infusion Nurses Society does not recommend backpriming secondary tubing from their 2016 recommendations. See the screen shot... I am trying to find a more recent bit of info or a better explanation as to why this might be. Any info is greatly appreciated!

Screen Shot 2021-03-08 at 5.09.23 PM.png
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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I couldn't find anything against backpriming. This resource below, updated in August 2020, describes backpriming before administering a secondary. I know that we do it all the time at work. I guess the only concern is if nurses don't check for incompatibility between primary and secondary solutions, but that would be a problem either way. 

7.6: Administering Intermittent Intravenous Medication (Secondary Medication) and Continuous IV Infusions - Medicine LibreTexts

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I think the author of the article mistakenly assumed that because the obvious step of backpriming wasn't specifically stated, that the INS now "does not recommend backpriming.

This was a response from one of the author's of INS standards when asked recently about backpriming: "Yes backpriming is the preferred method since connecting and disconnecting sets add risk for infection".  So it would seem unlikely that it's correct that the INS has opposed backpriming since 2016.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
5 hours ago, Kayla.01123 said:

Found an article that suggested the Infusion Nurses Society does not recommend backpriming secondary tubing from their 2016 recommendations. See the screen shot... I am trying to find a more recent bit of info or a better explanation as to why this might be. Any info is greatly appreciated!

Screen Shot 2021-03-08 at 5.09.23 PM.png

Where did you find that article?

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Specializes in Former Traveler- Tele/ now Educator.

@MunoRN I don't even know now. I was digging forever and couldn't find anything specific. I knew it had to still be an acceptable thing due to the decreased risk for infection with the disconnecting/reconnecting. I appreciate your info! @JBMmom Thank you!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

we backprime. Primary tubing is almost always NS and there are very few meds (I give 95% antibiotics) are incompatible with that. 

We have warnings on the Alaris pumps for incompatible fluids (LR with Rocephin is one). 

I am not sure why it would be an issue. 

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Have not seen this for years and years, since the 90s when I graduated and my instructor showed me how. Once I was a nurse, we never did that.

 

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Specializes in Critical Care.
45 minutes ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

Have not seen this for years and years, since the 90s when I graduated and my instructor showed me how. Once I was a nurse, we never did that.

 

What do you do instead?

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