The Joint Commission has recently clarified its position on the monitoring of intravenous fluid storage temperatures. Medication management regulations stipulate that medications are stored in a safe manner and according to the conditions set by the manufacturer’s instructions for use. The use of Intravenous Fluid warmers are permitted by certain manufacturers of these products providing there are limits on temperature and the time these fluids are maintained beyond the normal storage temperature. The Joint Commission’s expectations are that organizations are monitoring their warmed fluids to ensure that they are maintained at these temperatures and within the time limitations. This would include monitoring temperatures on days that the particular unit would be closed – such as weekends and holidays. Organizations should be prepared to provide documentation of these monitoring activities.
Please reach out to the C&A team with further questions or for assistance with your regulatory compliance needs.