Handling Supplies, Medications & Sterile Supplies

Remember
DO NOT USE THE BAG IF:
1. Any leaks are present.
2. There is any cloudiness that does not disappear with gentle mixing of the solution.
3. Any particles or specks appear in the solution.
4. The label on the bag does not have your name on it.
5. The label on the bag has a different drug or dose listed.
6. The expiration date has passed.

Handling Supplies & Medications
1. Carefully inspect all bags, bottles, and do not use if:
a. Leaks or cracks are present.
b. Protective caps are missing.
c. Solution appears cloudy or has floating particles.
d. Label is torn or missing.

2. Carefully check the label on the solution bag or bottle for the following before using:
a. Your name.
b. Name of medication prescribed by physician.
c. Expiration date.
d. Directions for use.

3. Inspect all sealed packages and do not use if:
a. Seal is broken.
b. Package is ripped or torn.
c. Package is wet or dirty.

4. After washing hands thoroughly, carefully open package and inspect contents. Do not use if:
a. Protective covers are missing.
b. Items appear to be tampered with in any way.

5. Items such as needles and syringes are referred to as SHARPS. They must be disposed of properly to prevent accidental contamination of another person. Home Solutions will provide you with a puncture-proof red container for this purpose:
a. Carefully drop all needles and IV catheters into the SHARPS container.
b. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE ANY ITEM FROM THE SHARPS CONTAINER.
c. When full, do not attempt to dispose of the SHARPS container. Home Solutions or your nurse will remove it and supply you with a new one.

Handling Sterile Supplies
The supplies and solutions required for IV Therapy have been sterilized, packaged and sealed to prevent contamination. Follow these instructions in order to keep solutions and supplies sterile:
1. Wash hands thoroughly using aseptic technique before touching the sterile supplies.

2. Inspect all bottles/bags for visible signs of contamination such as cracks, chips, tears, cloudiness, discoloration, leaks, damaged caps, or solid particles floating in the solution.

3. Do not use any solution after the expiration date.

4. Make sure that the packages are sealed. Inspect the tubing, needles, syringes and prep pads. Discard anything with a broken seal.

5. If there is moisture inside the packages of tubing, needles or syringes, discard them.

6. Do not let the outside of the package touch the inside.

7. Do not touch a sterile item with your fingers.

8. Do not let the item touch any non-sterile surface.

9. After removing protective caps, do not touch the ends of the tubing, tubing spikes or needles with your fingers or allow them to touch any non-sterile surface.

10. Do not touch the catheter tip with your fingers or allow it to touch any non-sterile surface.

11. Do not touch the catheter exit site with your fingers.

12. Do not touch the syringe plunger shaft with your fingers.

13. WHEN IN DOUBT … THROW IT AWAY.