low absorption tubing

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

My facility does not carry low absorption tubing. I know some medications, in particular insulin, diprivan & NTG can be absorbed through the tubing and therefore the patient isn't actually receiving the prescribed dose. For example, the max dose at my facility for NTG is 200mcg/min - we need to call the doc if the patient is up to this dose and is still exhibiting symptoms...but if we are using regular tubing that can absorb up to 80% of the medication, is the patient really receiving 200mcg/min? No.

I have heard of using regular tubing and priming the tubing with the medication, then clamping and allowing the medication to be absorbed for a few minutes prior to starting the infusion, that way once the infusion is started, the patient is getting the full effect.

Do you prime with NS first, then the medication? Or just with the medication? Has anyone found this method to work just as well as using low absorption tubing or not as well? Just trying to see what other facilities out there use, plus we're trying to push our facility into carrying low absorption tubing, but I'm wondering what your personal experiences are and what EBP states.