IV containers keep patients and staff safe

The VISIV (pronounced viz-eye-vee) is a flexible intravenous container for medications and solutions. An IV container's ports are the points where medication is injected into the container and where the IV-administration set is connected. Prior to needle insertion, caregivers swab the surface of the medication additive port with alcohol to disinfect it. The VISIV container's ports are sterile “out of the box.” That is, removing the port's pull-ring exposes a sterile area underneath. With a standard flexible IV container, an external overwrap works as a moisture barrier. Because the barrier properties are designed into its advanced multilayer film, the VISIV container requires no overwrap, which helps reduce the time it takes for caregivers to administer medications.

Other flexible IV containers don't provide a clear indication when medication has been added to the diluent, or fluid, in the container. But when caregivers observe that the Blu-Med Safety Port on the VISIV has not been removed, they get a visual indication that the medication administration port has not been accessed.
Hospira Inc., 275 North Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045, (877) 946-7747, info.ims.ca/6951-250

Filters trap particles, eliminate air

In-line IV filters remove particles and microorganisms and reliably eliminate air. Each filter includes a hydrophilic primary membrane composed of polyethersulfone (PES) and a hydrophobic 0.1m PDVF vent membrane. They can be pump or gravity fed. One such filter, part 12113, has a PETG cylindrical-shaped housing with a clear core, is high volume, and rated for 96 hours of use. Part 12114 has an acrylic coin-shaped housing with a low priming and a hold-up volume of less than 0.4ml. Part 12115, has a co-polyester cylindrical-shaped housing with a yellow core and is compatible with TNA emulsions.
Qosina, 150-Q Executive Dr., Edgewood, NY 11717, (631) 242-3000, info.ims.ca/6951-251

A guide to ultrafiltration

The Ultrafiltration Application and Product Guide contains information for ultrafiltration discs and devices which are essential sample-preparation tools in life science, clinical, and forensics laboratories. The revised guide includes a backgrounder on membrane filtration, product overviews, glossary, and a selection guide for choosing the most appropriate ultrafiltration tool.
Millipore Corp., 290 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA 01821, (800) 645-5476, info.ims.ca/6951-252

Membranes keep out salt and organics

Ideally suited for desalting and separating antibiotics and APIs, the Fluid Systems Spirapro TFC line uses a proprietary, polyamide thin-film composite membrane with a sanitary spiral-wound net outerwrap. Spirapro elements significantly lower operating costs for a wide variety of applications, including selective rejection, desalting, and organics concentration. The molecular weight cut-off for the TFC SR3 is such that the membrane will pass monovalent salts like sodium chloride, yet provide high retention of multivalent ions and uncharged organic solutes. Retention of sugars, such as lactose, typically exceeds 99%. All components pass USP Class VI toxicity testing guidelines.
Koch Membrane Systems Inc., 850 Main St., Wilmington, MA 01887, (888) 677-5624, info.ims.ca/6951-253

Closed system keeps toxic drugs away from workers

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, working with or near hazardous drugs in healthcare settings may cause skin rashes, infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and possibly leukemia and other cancers. One way to minimize such risks is with a closed needle-free device that protects healthcare workers from the dangerous effects of working with and handling chemotherapy drugs. Genie eliminates aerosols, vapors, and leaks caused by pressurization when accessing drug vials. To protect nurses and other healthcare workers from drips or spills from IV tubing, ICU Medical also has developed Spiros. It is a closed male connector that protects the integrity of the IV fluid container, while ensuring safe transport of hazardous medications. It connects to any female luer, self seals, and closes the systems upon disconnect.
ICU Medical Inc., 951 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673, (800) 824-789, info.ims.ca/6951-254

Validated PES capsules and mini cartridges

The ZenPure line of filters are validated by third party independent labs. The polyethersulfone (PES) capsules and mini cartridges are manufactured using no adhesives, binders, or surfactants. A validation guide is also available outlining the results users can anticipate when using the PES capsules and mini cartridges. ZenPure filters are also U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and FDA compliant.
Jalt Technologies, P.O. Box 597, Manassas, VA 20108, (703) 335-9910, info.ims.ca/6951-255