Labelling of injectable medicines, fluids and lines has been identified as a significant patient safety issue and is a recognised risk in the safe administration of injectable medicines.
Clear, standardised labelling of injectable medicines and fluids by the user at the point of preparation should help to reduce the risk of medicine administration errors.
In November 2010, Australia’s Health Ministers, including the South Australian Health Minister, endorsed the National Recommendations for User-applied Labelling of Medicines, Fluids and Lines for implementation in Australian health services. These standards look at:
In 2015 the Labelling Recommendations were reviewed and updated to the National Standard for User-applied Labelling of Injectable Medicines, Fluids and Lines. The Labelling Standard expands on the previous Labelling Recommendations to include:
South Australian hospitals have the opportunity to submit suggestions and feedback (DOC 78KB) through the South Australian Change Register. Amendments made to the state register will be submitted to the national register. Major amendments will only be considered if accompanied by supporting audit data.
SA Health's user-applied labelling of injectable medicines, fluids and lines policy (PDF 120KB) supports the national recommendations.
All SA Health employees, and persons who provide services on behalf of SA Health involved in the preparation and administration of injectable medicines, fluids and lines must adhere to this policy.
South Australian public hospitals should order their labels via the Oracle Corporate System.
Information developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to assist in implementing the Labelling Recommendations includes:
For further information on medication labelling, contact Medication Safety and Pharmaceutical Reforms.
