filter needles - policy

I was under the impression it was only needed for IV doses and not IM.

Ok, once again what I have been taught is being challenged. I have always been taught to use a filterneedle/straw when drawing anything from an ampule. In the ER where I am now working I was noticing that no one was doing it...we have the little red/green "twinsets" that everyone seemed to be using. I asked a couple of people and got looked at like I had four heads.

It was hsp policy to use a filtered needle for any med from an ampule the only problem was that the hsp did not stock filtered needles.

I always use a filter needle when drawing from an ampule. Everyone I have seen here does this also.

:yeahthat:

I always use a filter needle when drawing from an ampule, hospital policy and personal preference. This may sound like a stupid question, but what difference would it make if it were IM versus IV? The glass would still be in the patient, right?

Jaime

Yes always use the filtering device! We just got rid of needles and only have the straws - but they work fine...

I always use a filter needle when drawing from an ampule, hospital policy and personal preference. This may sound like a stupid question, but what difference would it make if it were IM versus IV? The glass would still be in the patient, right?

Jaime

Glass in the bloodstream poses a greater risk of emboli than IM

I was taught, and have always used a filter needle or straw with ampules. I found this... http://www.aacn.org/AACN/practice.nsf/0/69d2c30ba9fa866c88256754006d7cde?OpenDocument

We all use filter needles, it's policy also. We have the twin sets and I have never seen these used for filtering. I agree it's not worth the possible risk to the patient. I really think if twinsets were safe our administation would get rid of filter needles, they are always trying to cut costs.

I always use the filter needle when drawing up from an ampule as well - it's what I was taught by my preceptor and I've never seen anyone not use one.

I use filter needles as well but I have always wondered one thing... if they are so dangerous and proper use is so hard to monitor and confirm, why don't they just phase ampules out and devise some safer method?

it ticks me off when i actually see someone draw something off with a filter needle (good thing) but they don't take it off and then dilute it (injecting into the flush with the filter needle) using the filter needle. So they are just blowing all those particles right back out! ugh! critical thinking people!!!