Posted December 20, 2007
Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare: Product News
Protection from Hazardous
Drug Exposure
B. Braun ONGUARD™ contained medication system with Tevadaptor™ components protects healthcare professionals, increases institution compliance.
Las Vegas, NV, December 4, 2007 — In an effort to protect pharmacists and nurses at the frontline of chemotherapy preparation and administration, healthcare facilities across the country are embracing closed system drug-transfer devices such as the ONGUARD Contained Medication System from B. Braun Medical Inc. This next-generation drug admixture and delivery system provides protection from hazardous drugs and passive needlestick prevention. ONGUARD was showcased for the first time at the 42nd American Society of Health-System Pharmacist Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibits (ASHP) held Dec. 2-6 in Las Vegas.
"While medications such as chemotherapy are essential treatments in combating some of the world's most lethal diseases, unfortunately, they can pose a danger to healthcare workers if not handled appropriately," said Rob Albert, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Marketing, B. Braun Medical Inc. "The ONGUARD system's closed, intuitive design gives healthcare professionals piece-of-mind in knowing that medication preparation is effective and safe."
Studies have shown certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents, can be associated with a variety of both short term and long term health effects. Nurses and pharmacy personnel are often at the highest risk, due to exposure during prescription preparation and administration, but exposure can also extend to other healthcare workers performing routine jobs, such as housekeeping staff.
"The passive protected needle design of ONGUARDİdecreases the concern andİincidence of accidental chemo exposure," said Leann Umberger, Director of Pharmacy Services at Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH). ARH introduced the technology within its 173-bed, acute-care hospital in Beckely, West Virginia. "We've found ONGUARDİto be easier to work with than other systems we've tested."
"When you're preparing chemo everyday and there is the looming threat ofİexposure to hazardous vapors, protecting your personal safety is of the utmost importance," addsİChris Mangen of the Lucy Curci Cancer Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.İ"The ONGUARD system is easy-to-use and safe, helping to eliminate the risks associated with typical chemo preparation such as needles, drips and spraying."
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and USP<797>, have each recommended the use of protective devices for the preparation of hazardous medications. The ONGUARD System with TEVADAPTOR Components provides protection from hazardous vapors, particles and aerosols, by means of a hydrophobic 0.2 micron sterilizing grade membrane and the TOXIGUARD™ activated charcoal drug binding matrix which together act as a gas mask allowing passive vial pressure equalization.
Independent lab studies using chemotherapy medications demonstrate this system effectively contains hazardous vapors from escaping by binding them within the activated charcoal matrix while also preventing non-sterile air from entering the medication vial. ONGUARD further protects workers and the patient care environment from admixture to delivery, by preventing liquid droplets from exiting the dispensing units during use. These combined attributes create a system that meets the NIOSH definition for a closed system drug-transfer device.
B. Braun is the recipient of the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Medical Technology Global Excellence Award for its excellence in helping healthcare providers improve the lives of their patients. B. Braun Smart Pumps have achieved "Category Leader" in the KLAS Top 20 Mid-Year Report Card for Smart Pump Technology, 2007.
Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance working processes in hospitals, alternate care settings and medical practices — increasing safety for patients, doctors and nurses. Its 34,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Through its "Sharing Expertise®" initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 800-854-6851, email us at inquiry@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.
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