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Why do some drugs need a micron filter?
Created on 2024.05.16
Filters for intravenous (IV) medication administration are used to remove contaminants from intravenous products. This filtration is intended to protect the patient receiving the medication by filtering out particulate matter, bacteria, and air emboli, protecting the patient from phlebitis due to particulates or infection due to bacteria.
Filters are used in the intravenous administration of many medications. These filters can be found in an IV line (in-line filter) and come in different sizes. A 5-micron filter is used to remove large particles that may have been introduced during product preparation, such as glass particles from glass ampules. The 0.22-micron filter is one of the smallest filters used in patient care and is effective in removing bacteria. Currently, there are no filters available that can remove viruses.
Not all intravenous medications should be administered through a filter, and others may require filters of a specific size. The molecules of some medications may be too large to pass through a filter, or may otherwise bind to the filter and be removed. Thus, it is important to consult your institution’s policies for details on which medications require a filter for parenteral administration.
P. Manfresca, BSN
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