Is there anything in the literature about the temperature of medications infused through a PICC line? Specifically cold reconsititued medications that have been stored in refrigerator. I am used to always warming to room temperature before infusing but I am looking for evidence to support this practice. What would be the danger of infusing medications into a PICC that have been taken directly from the refrigerator and then infused? Thank you
If addresseds at all, I think this would be in the pharmacy literature. So you may have to get your pharmacists to look it up. I have never seen any recommendations for anything other than PN being removed from refrigeration 1 hour before infusion begins. Actually I don't think infusion of a small volume through a long PICC would produce any negative effects. For trauma patients receiving large volumes of fluid rapidly, fluid warmers are used. Also warmed fluid is infused in OR patients due to the cold temps in the OR. But I can't recall any references for regular medications Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I'm questioning if this would affect compatibility with another drug if infused simultatneously. Soluability is affected by temperature, but it does seem the medication would be warmed as it travels the length of a PICC. If the medication is too cold it might stiffen the material of the device somewhat. Outside of rapid infusion, it wouldn't seem to be too much of an issue. This does sound like one for the pharmacist.