Using a Prefilled Cartridge and Single-Dose Vial for IV Administration

Using a Prefilled Cartridge and Single-Dose Vial for IV Administration

Equipment
■ Medication-prefilled cartridge.
■ Alcohol prep pad or CHG-alcohol product.
■ Syringe of the appropriate size for medication volume and viscosity.
■ Filter needle.
■ Safety needle.

Assessment
■ Check that prefilled syringe is intact, and that the medication is clear, with no discoloration, cloudiness, or particles. Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess for a change in color, cloudiness, particles in the medication mixed.

Key Points
■ Be Smart! Before beginning, determine whether that volume is appropriate for the administration site.
■ Maintain the sterility of the needle and medication.
■ Assemble the prefilled cartridge and holder according to manufacturer’s directions.
■ Remove the needle cap from the prefilled cartridge, and set it on a sterile alcohol pad.
■ Hold the cartridge vertically to expel the air and measure the correct dose of medication. Withdraw an amount of air equal to the volume of medication you need from the vial.
■ Hold the cartridge with needle straight and insert the needle into the inverted vial, tip of the needle in the air above the medication (not in the fluid); inject the air into the vial. Be careful not to eject any medication from the cartridge into the vial.
■ While maintaining pressure on the plunger, withdraw the ordered amount of vial medication, being careful not to withdraw any excess.
■ Withdraw the needle or vial access device from the vial at a 90° angle and recap the needle.
■ Be Safe! Always recap a sterile needle using a safety capping device or the one-handed scoop method.

Documentation
■ Document per MAR, according to agency policy.

Injecting air into the vial makes the medication easier to withdraw