A cost benefit comparison of two antibiotic delivery systems in a children's hospital

A comparative trial was undertaken in a 301 bed pediatric hospital to determine the feasibility and cost benefit of converting from a minibag intravenous admixture system to one using polypropylene syringes, prefilled with undiluted medication, for the administration of antibiotics. Technical and therapeutic problems unique to a pediatric hospital and the stability of antibiotics in polypropylene syringes were concurrent considerations. The cost of materials and total time involved were measured for each system for a one month period. It was concluded that the prefilled syringe system as a method of dispensing selected parenteral antibiotics, although requiring more time, is more cost effective than the minibag system.