Pre-filled flush syringes with methylene blue indicator dye

‘There are pre-filled flush syringes available today to support efforts to reduce the risk of medication errors, but these only contain colourless heparinised saline or sodium chloride, these are identical in appearance to the harmful drugs making it impossible to check whether cannulae or extension lines have been flushed for further use.’

‘There are no records as to the level of incidence and we suspect the level is under reported. The National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) does have some records of incidents being reported involving either anaesthetic or sedative drugs in adults or children.’

‘Despite the issuing of multiple safety alerts and hospital checklists, residual drugs in cannulae and extension line events continue to happen with risks of hypoxic brain injury or even death.’

‘Some drugs, such as those used in anaesthesia and pain management, can cause patients to go into cardiac or respiratory arrest. After administration, these drugs should be flushed through cannulae and extension lines to make sure no residual quantities of the drugs are left.’