Evaluation of Drug Sorption to PVC- and Non-PVC-based Tubes in Administration Sets Using a Pump.

Administration sets are delivery tools for the direct application of drugs into the body and are composed of a spike, a drip chamber, tubes, Luer adapters (connectors), a needle cover for protection, and other accessories. Drug sorption to tubes of administration sets is a critical issue in terms of safety and efficacy. Although drug sorption is an important factor in the quality of an administration set, there are no standard evaluation methods for the regulation of drug sorption to the tubes. Here, we describe an evaluation protocol for drug sorption to tubes of administration sets. Tubes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)- and non-PVC-based polymeric materials were cut to 1 m in length. Diazepam and tacrolimus were used as model drugs. In the kinetic sorption study, we selected the drug concentration and flow rate based on the clinical usage of these drugs. After the dilution of each drug in a glass bottle, the diluted drug solution was delivered through tubes of administration sets using a pump. Samples were collected in amber vials at appropriate time points and the drugs were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Drug concentrations and sorption levels to tubes of the administration sets were calculated. Acceptable criteria to ensure the quality of administration sets are recommended.

Diazepam sorption to PVC- and non-PVC-based tubes in administration sets with quantitative determination using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method.

Diazepam is highly sorbed to the plastic materials of administration sets for intravenous infusion. This can be detrimental as it should be delivered to the patient at the administered amount for efficacy and safety. We report here the sorption levels of diazepam onto various types of tubes in administration sets. The tube materials of the administration sets included polyvinylchloride (PVC) and the non-PVC materials such as polyurethane (PU) and polyolefin (PO) were used. Two conditions of diazepam administered in preclinical and clinical settings were tested using an infusion pump. Injections were prepared by diluting diazepam to 20mg/500mL and 10mg/100mL in 5% dextrose. Diluted diazepam solutions at the concentrations of 10mg/100mL and 20mg/500mL were separately delivered through 1m of tubing at 1mL/min for 1.05 and 4.05h. Samples were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. PVC- and PU-based tubes showed higher sorption of diazepam than did PO-based tubes. PO-based tubes delivered more than 90% of the administered diazepam. The results showed that PO-based tubes of administration sets have a promising potential to deliver hydrophobic drugs like diazepam with minimal sorption levels. In addition, the tube materials in administration sets may be one of the critical factors to ensure drug efficacy and safety.