Q&A: Labeling medications on the sterile field

Q: Surveyors continue to scrutinize anesthesia and the back table. How do I get anesthesia to make sure they label syringes?

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 anesthesiologists and anesthesia provider to determine what would enhance compliance. Producing preprinted labels is a simple solution.

-Jodi L. Eisenberg, MHA, CPHQ, CPMSM, CSHA, and Jean S. Clark, RHIA, CSHA

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