A standard chemotherapy session necessitates the transfer of a cytotoxin from a vial to a syringe, and then to the infusion bag which delivers the drug into the bloodstream. The pressure difference during drug transfer between the vial and the syringe, and the syringe and IV bag, can release droplets into the work environment with potentially harmful consequences to the clinical staff. By providing consistent equal pressure between the syringe and vial or bag, the EQUASHIELD (Port Washington, New York) system prevents the escape of vapor droplets and provides full aerosol protection when handling dangerous drugs.
The EQUASHIELD design relies on tightly sealed double membranes to provide connectors that remain dry and without residue despite multiple entries by the needles. It has two chambers, a liquid chamber, and an air chamber that is located at the end of the piston. Two needles provide channels through which the air and drug being administered can pass through in opposite directions. As the piston moves, one chamber’s volume increases while the other’s decreases by the same amount. Consequently, displacement of liquid from the vial is compensated by an equal amount of air that is added or subtracted from the vial. An additional advantage of EQUASHIELD is that the fixed fully shielded needles eliminate the risk for accidental stick injuries.
Product page: EQUASHIELD…
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