Q&A: Labeling medications on the sterile field

Q: How do I make sure solutions and medications are being labeled in anesthesia and on the back table?

A: Getting anesthesia to label syringes has been a huge challenge. Some organizations have been successful with preprinting labels with the solution names, including special combinations of medications used when medications are drawn up, to try to reduce noncompliance. Then anesthesia just has to fill in information that varies per patient, such as dosing. Work directly with your anesthesiologist and anesthesia provider to determine what would enhance compliance. Producing preprinted labels is a simple solution.

The back-table issues can include bad practices such as prelabeling bowls 30 minutes prior to pouring the solution because staff members are waiting for the circulator’s availability to witness or pour. In addition, staff members may have instituted a “pour, pour, pour” then “label, label, label” process. Remember the acronym PAL: pour and label when pour solutions and medications.

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