Our hospital is experiencing a shortage of primary IV tubing for our BD Alaris Pumps. I believe this is nationwide. We are very low on inventory. Are others experiencing the same? Has anyone looked at extending IV tubing hang times as a mitigation strategy. Currently at our site, primary IV tubing as to be changed every 96 hrs with the exception of parenteral nutrition infusions must be changed every 24 hours. Appreciate any input or suggestions.

Has anyone encountered a malfunction in the primary IV tubing with the secondary IVPB backglowing into the primary tubing and solution.

Here's what we know.

- 4 occurence with chemo agents

- The RNs had the primary set up, attached the secondary (primary tubing was in the pump but pump turned off). When the secondary was unclamped the medication from the secondary back flowed (past the back flow check valve) and into the primary solution rather quickly.

The secondary bag was higher than the primary.