ISMP Perioperative Guidelines --- Pre-labeling?

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Zachary Allen W...
Zachary Allen Wallace's picture
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Joined: 05/11/2018 - 10:24
ISMP Perioperative Guidelines --- Pre-labeling?

Hi All,

ISMP recommends the following regarding labeling in their 2022 Guidelines for
Safe Medication Use in Perioperative and Procedural Settings:

*Label containers (e.g., syringes, bowls, cups, basins) with medications and solutions (e.g., lidocaine, contrast, methylene blue, thrombin) on the STERILE FIELD immediately after filling... Never label an empty syringe, basin, cup, or other container in anticipation of use.*

I think that this is an excellent goal, and I'm curious to hear from others what strategies they used to accomplish this.

Example Barrier:
Provider labeling the syringe in real-time can cause disruptions in care (e.g., the adhesive touching the glove forces a glove change). While we allow a provider to forego labeling if the medication doesn't leave their hand between preparation and administration, we don't have a great solution to multi-use containers.

Appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks, Zach