filter needles - policy

[mtnmom]

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.

My unit manager, when asked about it, told me that yes, she had heard that but she thought the twinsets had filter capability (I dont see how...have read the labeling thouroughly) and would follow up on it. (of course she has not and will not). I spoke to another nurse on the unit who has close to 30 years experience (and never hesitates to point that out) and he says that the risk is negligible of getting glass shards from an ampule...he never uses a filter.

I am uncomfortable with all of this and am continuing to use from a box that I found. I am thinking of going to administration with this...but before I make an idiot out of myself am I totally missing something here -am I overreacting? I guess I am unsure because I have far, far less experience than do these other folks and am constantly reminded of that fact by them.

Nonetheless, if it is a potential patient safety issue then I need to do something - my conscience will not allow otherwise.

please give me some feedback.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

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

[William_SRNA]

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.

[hollyster]

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.

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

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

:yeahthat:

[Super_RN, BSN, RN]

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

[Nesher, BSN, RN]

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

[William_SRNA]

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

[pricklypear]

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

[BrittanyRN]

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.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

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.

[bluesky, BSN, RN]

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?