What should be done before placing a drug in an IV bag?

Before placing a drug in an IV bag, it is essential to prepare the IV tube correctly. This preparation ensures that the connection to the IV bag is sterile and that there are no blockages or issues that could interfere with the infusion process. Properly prepped IV tubing helps to maintain the integrity of the sterile environment, which is critical in compounded sterile preparations.

In compounded sterile preparations, maintaining sterility and preventing contamination are key components of patient safety. Preparing the IV tubing before drug addition allows for a smooth transition of the medication from the bag into the patient’s bloodstream, ensuring accurate dosing and effective delivery.

Other processes, such as checking the expiration date, labeling the bag, and administering the drug, are also important but occur either before or after the actual preparation of the IV bag. Ensuring the IV tube is ready for use is a fundamental step, as it provides a safe and effective method for administering the medication.