Issues with filter needles

After numerous discussions it appeared that some teams have mistakenly ordered blunt fill needles, thinking they are filter needles.

• Filter needles are the PURPLE AND RED needles (see attached image) - only these are to be ordered and used as filter needles within the trust. 
• Red needles (all red) are not FILTER needles but in fact 'blunt; needles and should not be used to filter glass ampules. 
• The code to the correct filter needles we advocate in DCHS will be added to the policy in due course
• If any teams have the plain all red (blunt) needles - please remove and add in purple filter needles. 
• We are to use x1 filter needle per drug as they are single use only.
• PLEASE DO NOT expel medication from same filter needle used to draw up. The needle will need to be changed before you expel to load your 20ml or 30ml leur lock syringe.

Drawing up medications and expelling medications with the same filter needle could result in particulate contaminants to be contained in the medication and result in harm to the patient on administration.

Codes for acceptable filter needles below:

Useful links:

• NCP FAQs Blunt Fill Drawing Up Devices » NHS Supply Chain
• NCP Customer Report Blunt Fill 21 July 2023 T1