Filter needle when drawing from vials or not?

Published

  1. Filter needles used

    • 43
      Absolutely always
    • 1
      When I have time
    • 10
      Sometimes, on occasion
    • 15
      Never do, they are not required

69 members have participated

I have been concerned about this for some time. Our unit does not use them and I was taught to do so, but the coworkers think I'm nutty.

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Specializes in NICU.

We do have filter needles available for drawing from ampules.

We didn't have them for years, and I was used to using them from a previous job. For the past year we have had them available, and it's so hard to get used to using them again. I've never had a problem with glass......our needles are 27ga, and I don't think glass shards could get inside. I think it's another of those JCAH things.......

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I remember when I first saw those filter needles/straws on the units where I worked. I had only vaguely heard of them before and it just never occured to me before then that there might be a possibility of a non-visible glass shard being injected into my patient! I used them rather faithfully after that. I will admit not using them when we were not supplied with them (not just out in the med room but out in the whole unit).

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If it's there use it. If it's not you can't.

Noney

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we don't have them available. Makes me INSANELY nervous. I wouldn't want to have glass injected into me.

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we actually just had this come up.we did not regularly use them,but are currently working to get them supplied in all med tooms and make it our policy to use them.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

We have filter needles at work. You can be fired for not using them.

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I think the vials should be re-designed, not the needles.

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.

We don't have them where I work...I wish we did though....it is how I was taught too.

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

Typically, I use filter needles for all glass vials and "double rubber" medications (like solu-medrol)...I have to admits that for regular rubber stoppers, I don't usually use filter needles.

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Only use them for the ampules. I'm sure there are other instances where I'd need to.

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Specializes in Emergency/Anaesthetics/PACU.

I have NEVER heard of filter needles until reading this thread..... :uhoh3:

Is there any one else in Australia who has these available at their place of employment?

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