What's in a label?
Baxter Healthcare Corp., introduces distinctive new labeling for midazolam hydrochloride injection to assist clinicians in selecting the correct medications and concentrations of medications. The new labeling includes a tear-off label that requires clinician intervention before administration. Midazolam is classified as a high-alert medication by the Institute for Safe Medical Practices due to an increased risk of causing patient harm if used in error.
Compression suggestion
The UlceRx Therapy Solution Kit, manufactured by Sigvaris, is a compression stocking kit for the treatment of venous leg ulcers consisting of two underliner stockings made from 100% cotton and two 30 to 40 mm Hg graduated medical compression stockings. This allows the patient to wear one set while washing the other. The outer layer fabric provides a glide that enables the outer stocking to be put on more easily, reducing the pain and discomfort of applying compression to a wound. Best suited for patients who can't return on a regular basis for a bandage change or those who have no assistance at home for bandage application, home healthcare patients, and patients who experience pain or swelling at night or in the morning due to a venous leg ulcer, this kit provides an alternative to using bandages for wound care.
Keep it cool
Unimed-Midwest offers the Body Control Ice Wrap, a multiuse, breathable open-cell foam wrap with pockets that hold one or two standard 6-inch by 9-inch ice packs to keep cold easily and constantly where needed. To use, simply slip the ice pack into the pocket, wrap around the injured site, and secure with the attached hook-and-loop closure. Made from latex-free and adhesive-free high-stretch fabric, the wraps are available in three sizes: the small ice wrap can be used for wrist, elbow, or ankle injuries; the medium wrap for knee, thigh, or groin injuries; and the large wrap, which holds two standard ice packs side by side, for the back.
Disinfection with a twist
The SwabCap luer access valve disinfection cap from Excelsior Medical is designed to disinfect swabable luer access valves before line access. SwabCap twists directly onto the valve, passively disinfecting the valve top and threads without activating the access valve. According to the manufacturer, the cap provides up to 96 hours of protection under normal conditions if not removed.
Calling all champions
PDI, Inc., has teamed up with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the advocacy group Safe Care Campaign to create the Champion's Kit, a free comprehensive resource tool for starting and supplementing an infection prevention program. Designed to assist infection preventionists in educating hospital staff on proper infection prevention techniques, the kit includes a quick start facilitator's guide, five motivational posters in English and Spanish, and a motivational video from the Safe Care Campaign.
One injection instead of two
Novo Nordisk announces the availability of the FDA-approved somatropin (rDNA origin) injection (Norditropin) NordiFlex 30 mg/3 mL, a prefilled, preloaded pen that allows children who need a dose of growth hormone larger than 4.5 mg to take one injection instead of two, offering a more convenient option for patients who require a growth hormone dose up to 6 mg. The dose can be adjusted up or down as needed in 0.1 mg increments up to 6 mg. The NordiFlex pens are designed to be used with NovoFine 30-gauge, NovoFine Autocover 30-gauge, and NovoFine 32-gauge tip needles. Norditropin is used to treat children with growth failure caused by very low or no production of growth hormone, children with short stature associated with Noonan syndrome and Turner syndrome and those born small for gestational age with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4, and adults who don't produce enough growth hormone.