DCRNA

Your concern over mix-ups between regular IV infusions and epidural infusions is a valid one. Although there is no universally sanctioned standard, sound judgement as to what you have alluded should dicatate that epidural infusions be administered in a device that clearly distinguishes them from other infusions. I have practiced in both scenarios, where the epidurals are infused via a standard IV pump, and in others where they are given via either a Bard (Smartplate) infusion or locked device such as the GemStar pump made specifically for epidurals. Sadly only a few weeks ago, a newspaper in the midwest reported just such a mix-up, where the patient died. This unfortunate incidient occurred at a major metropolitan hospital where the patients wear bar-coded bracelets to help prevent medication errors of any kind. Once again we can use this example to remdind us that the direct patient care provider is the best and the last barrier to untoward events in the health care setting.