The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7356 p4
2 July 2005

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Trusts comply with NPSA potassium chloride alert

NHS trusts are adhering to the storage and documentation requirements for potassium chloride concentrate solution specified in the first National Patient Safety Agency alert issued in 2002 (PJ, 27 July 2002, p122).

Implementation of the alert in 20 randomly selected acute NHS trusts in England and Wales has been evaluated by researchers from the University of York (Quality and Safety in Health Care 2005;14:196).

The researchers found that, in line with the NPSA alert, all trusts required that potassium chloride concentrate be stored in a separate locked cupboard. Requirements for removal from unauthorised areas were being met in 98 per cent of places visited and in 94 per cent of places its use was being documented in a register.

The researchers commented: “The alert was welcomed by all pharmacists interviewed who felt that it had lent authority to their efforts to restrict the availability of concentrated ampoules and to promote the use of commercially available dilutions.” However, they warn that continued vigilance by pharmacy departments may be required to ensure that ampoules do not creep back into unauthorised areas on a named patient basis.