Quality-control plan for intravenous admixture programs. I: Visual inspection of solutions and environmental testing.

Two components of a model quality-control plan for intravenous admixture services--a 100% visual inspection and an environmental testing program--were developed and evaluated in two hospitals. Visual inspections are recorded by technicians on two forms that detail the types of solution, container, and device defects that should be checked. One form covers stock solutions and supplies, and the other covers prepared solutions. The environmental testing program uses two forms to record performance and results of routine microbial monitoring. The detailed quality-control forms are presented. Procedures for handling defective items and contamination problems are discussed. Evaluation of the visual and environmental plans showed they provided a systematic, workable, and modest-cost method of assuring and documenting conditions in an i.v. admixture service. To assure competent preparation, use and distribution of high-quality i.v. solutions, both components of the quality-control system must be performed on a routine basis.