Syringes versus minibags as an intravenous admixture system: a comparison of cost and nursing preference

The implementation of centralized intravenous admixture programs in Canadian hospitals has been hindered by the high costs associated with such programs. The most popular system uses minibags as an admixture base but other less expensive alternatives are being investigated. This study examines the material and labour costs associated with preparing admixtures in either minibags or polypropylene syringes. The minibag admixtures were administered by nursing staff using secondary medication administration sets. Standard volume-control sets were used for diluting and administering the intravenous admixtures supplied in syringes. The results indicated a major cost advantage for the syringe-based program. Furthermore, evaluation of the two systems by nursing staff indicated a strong preference for the syringe-based system.