Inviro Medical Devices Introduces InviroSNAP! With InviroSTRIPE
Atlanta, GA - To help address the many challenges associated with medication errors and syringe labeling, Inviro Medical Devices announced the addition of an integral write-on stripe, InviroSTRIPE, to its complete line of manually retractable InviroSNAP! Safety Syringes. This innovative feature enables healthcare workers to record critical information directly onto the syringe barrel, thus helping to reduce risks for injectable medication errors and meeting 2007 Joint Commission medication labeling requirements.
"The InviroSNAP! with InviroSTRIPE is the first and only syringe that helps provide solutions for both patient and healthcare worker safety," says Gareth Clarke, chief executive officer of Inviro Medical Devices. "We essentially created one syringe that provides two solutions. The revolutionary, integral write-on stripe helps protect patients by reducing the risk of medication errors associated with syringe labeling, while the technology used in all of our infection control products helps prevent healthcare workers from being afflicted by needlestick injuries."
The patented write-on stripe makes it easy for those administering medication to record information right on the syringe or, if preferred, provides a consistent location for pre-printed labels. The white stripe eliminates challenges commonly experienced with current practices of medication labeling, including the use of stick-on labels. The InviroSTRIPE enhances visibility of gradations and healthcare professionals' ability to confirm correct dosage. An integral part of the safety syringe, this feature will not detach or interfere with the device's functionality or ease of use.
Product benefits of the InviroSNAP! with InviroSTRIPE align closely with findings of the just-released 2007 Study of Injectable Medication Errors (www.nursingworld.org), a national survey of 1,039 nurses conducted by the American Nurses Association and Inviro Medical Devices. According to the independent research about errors related to injectable medications and syringe labeling, the overwhelming majority (97 percent) of U.S. nurses worry about medication errors; more than two-thirds (68 percent) think mistakes can be reduced with more consistent syringe labeling; and 93 percent believe an integral label on a syringe would reduce injectable medication errors.
At least 1.5 million Americans die or experience adverse reactions from avoidable medication errors each year, according to an Institute of Medicine report, Preventing Medication Errors, issued in July 2006. These mistakes cost hospitals at least $3.5 billion annually. While errors take place during every step of the medication process, the problems most frequently occur during the prescribing and administering stages.
Another compelling advantage of the InviroSTRIPE feature is that it helps comply with the Joint Commission's 2007 National Patient Safety Goals that recommend health facilities label all medications and medication containers, e.g., syringes, medicine cups, and basins. According to The Joint Commission, the pre-labeling of medication and solution containers is not acceptable. The label should be prepared and applied at the time the medication or solution is prepared.
"The InviroSNAP! with InviroSTRIPE is the only product on the market that helps safeguard patients and healthcare workers, as well as helps meet the new Joint Commission labeling requirements," says Jean McDowell, vice president of clinical affairs for Inviro Medical Devices. "It provides the optimal solution - one that is a true innovation."
The InviroSTRIPE feature is now available on Inviro Medical Devices' full range of manually retractable InviroSNAP! Safety Syringes in both fixed and exchangeable needle combinations, as well as on the infection control company's standard Luer Lock Syringes.
SOURCE: Inviro Medical Devices