Evaluation of a prototype air-venting inline intravenous filter set.

A prototype inline intravenous final filter with a large filtration area and an air-elimination feature was evaluated. Adequate and uniform flow rates were maintained with infusion solutions containing cephalothin and ampicillin, while with oxytetracycline, flow rates decreased significantly. Challenging the unit with air demonstrated the suitability of the air-elimination system. In a brief clinical trial on 53 patients, the unit appeared easy to use and gained the acceptance of nurses, pharmacists and physicians.