Device Reduces Opportunity for Mixing Medications
The first issue of the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy in 2008 included a report that evaluated a new device designed to minimize the likelihood that errors are made while pharmacists prepare compounded medications for intravenous delivery.
Researchers at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, affiliated with the University of Michigan Health System, evaluated a new device manufactured by ValiMed that uses enhanced photoemission spectroscopy (EPS). The tool was evaluated over an 18 month period to assess seven different drugs denoted as high risk, including lorazepam, insulin, gentamicin, vancomycin, epinephrine, morphine, and hydromorphone. Testing was conducted twice weekly with the various drugs.
This technology is utilized to ensure that drug compounds being used during mixing are the correct drugs. The light focuses on the compound to excite the molecules, leading to emission of energy. This emission is measured by the spectrometer, which can determine if the correct compound has been chosen.
The sensitivity and specificity of the device were evaluated in the study by the Michigan researchers. Targeted concentration levels of more than twenty percent were detected with sensitivity of 95 percent. Specificity in correctly distinguishing between each of the drugs was 100 percent.
This study was the first evaluation of the ValiMed device in the actual care setting with the purpose of assessing compounded drugs. While compounding errors are not common, this technology further supports the effort to reduce the likelihood of errors. The research team noted that during use of the EPS compounding errors were prevented.
January 16, 2008 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Quality, Safety, Errors, Pharmaceuticals