Vial access

This is follow up to an old thread, concerning the use of filter needles.

Do you use filter needles on glass ampules, or also on vials with rubber stoppers?

We have had new nurses use the plastic (non-sharp) needles to access vials. Rumor has it that they have had bits of rubber in the vials. These are in a green wrapper, and I think, made by Baxter. We are supposed to use them to give meds through the IV ports. We also have ones with a blue harpoon that is left in the vial, which can be used instead of a needle (in a purple wrapper). If you want to access a vial more than once, there are also vial access ports. We have been told by someone new to the department that filter needles should be used for rubber stoppers. This is new to me, as we have had the Baxter equiment for years.

So, filter needles for glass, or for rubber, too? Which works better, the needleless system, or using sharps? Has anyone had problems using regular needles to access vials? We have been using filter needles on the glass ampules for a long time.

We always use filter needles for the glass ampules, but this is the first I've heard of the same for rubber stopper vials. Interesting thought, though, about the bits of rubber. Since we inject through the med ports on the patient lines, we don't change needles, but the bits of rubber could certainly pass through. Will need to inquire about that.. and see what more of you here have to say on the matter. :)

I like the blue harpoon system but it's effectiveness is limited. Many times you just need a big fat real needle. And I would think if not using a filtered needle on those glass vials one runs the risk of injecting tiny shards into the patient but I've been a plenty of units where they don't use the filters. So I don't know.