Forum topic

I was sitting in a committee meeting with infusion managers and infection control nurses the other day. The topic was saline flushes. As a corporation, we have recently moved to the BD syringe with 10ml of NS. I have noticed many of the nurses coming from other facilities will flush with 5ml and recap, give their IV medication and flush with the other 5ml of NS. I have always taught patients and staff that syringes are a one-time use. I cited the INS standard 50.4 "single-use flushing systems shall be used". Most of the nurses did not agree stating they saw no problem with drawing up multiple doses of medication into one syringe and administering in increments. I am very curious to know what this group thinks about the practice and if you have any literature to back it up. It seems like CDC has said something about this, but the other nurses all are telling me it is a safe an acceptable practice. Thank you in advance for your responses.

Katie Howard RN CRNI