Reducing waste: a significant cost containment measure in an i.v. additive program.

The need to reduce IV minibag waste was reported during a management study of pharmacy services. Outlined is the method of operation in effect at the time. The period of study indicated a 19.98% waste factor, which was equivalent to 3,000 minibags. The problems were identified and methods were developed and implemented to reduce this percentage. Various studies have reported IV minibag waste to be in the 7% range. A follow-up study after the new policies and procedures were implemented indicated a current waste factor of 2.26%. This improvement had a significant impact in the operation of the IV additive program and in the cost-containment goals of the department.