PVC bags considerably reduce availability of diazepam.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) bags and different infusing solutions commonly used, on the availability of diazepam.

DESIGN

A descriptive study--diazepam was mixed into PVC bags and glass containers containing normal saline or Ringers lactate and the concentration of diazepam was measured at zero, one, two, three and eight hours after the initial preparation.

SETTING

Laboratory study.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the concentrations of diazepam between the two solutions. However, concentration fell to around 80% in glass and to 50% in the PVC container after four hours and to an even lower level in the PVC container after eight hours.

CONCLUSION

The present study is reported so as to alert clinicians of this effect and to promote efforts to utilize non-PVC bags and the shortest possible infusion sets.