Evaluation of a new semi-rigid intravenous container.

Mercy Hospital, in cooperation with McGaw Laboratories, conducted a pre-marketing evaluation of a new intravenous solution container made of a polyallomer thermoplastic, polyolefin. Following a four-month evaluation period using the Accumed container in the pharmacy intravenous admixture program and on all nursing units, the container was evaluated by both the pharmacy and nursing staffs and compared with our present system, Viaflex. A questionnaire prepared and supplied by McGaw Laboratories allowed nurses to evaluate the container subjectively. A questionnaire was also prepared for members of the pharmacy staff, both professional and supportive personnel, to use in evaluating the container. In addition, a time and motion study was developed to compare the Viaflex, Travenol glass, and Accumed containers in all areas of the hospital where intravenous solutions were used. Both the subjective and objective evaluations demonstrated acceptance by the Departments of Pharmacy and Nursing, and the Accumed container performed comparably with the Viaflex and glass containers tested in intravenous admixture preparation and in their administration. A list of properties of the "ideal" system is proposed.