Silly question-spiking levaquin bag

Specialties Med-Surg

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Silly question, but I'm still gonna ask so I have a definite answer. When spiking a levaquin bag (the one with the two plastic tabs), do you twist off the bottom tab and spike it through the 2nd tab? It leaks until the spike is all the way in, which means it has to be spiked upside down right? Someone settle this debate in my head...thanks!

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I'm pretty sure I spike all my bags upside down. If your facility uses the same levaquin as mine, then yes you twist off the tab then spike.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

It should NOT "leak" if you are performing this task appropriately.

Number one, after removing the tubing from the package, and ascertaining that both of its ends are covered and that there are no rips or tears in the tubing, shut your roller clamp. Then, remove the female covering on the levaquin bag by twisting it off, (it should not leak at all at this point)(also,hold the bag upside down at this point) then remove your protective cap off of the male spike end of the IV tubing. Keeping sterile parts sterile, insert said spike into the female opening by twisting and pushing it in. Once it is fully connected down to the flange, turn bag rightside up and squeeze your drip chamber tp approx 1/3 full. Now prime tubing.

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Thank you. I had never used a bag with the plastic twist tab before so that is helpful to know.

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