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cal of a nursing unit in which different staffers order, fill, deliver and administer medications. But things change when an anesthesiologist decides to give a medication, draws it up and administers it. While anes- thesiologists agree that the label on the syringe needs to be clear as to medication and concentration, other information, such as outdate time, may confer little benefit when policy mandates disposal before the medication could expire. Most medication errors occur because we fail to read the label on a syringe or the container from which it was filled, not because of misla- beling. With that in mind, limit the amount of information on a medica- tion's label. Essential information includes the medication's name and concentration. When the anesthesiologist provides the medication directly at the sterile field, other information regarding the patient to whom it should be given, instructions for use, precautions and expira- tion dates just make labels harder to read. But when the pharmacy pre- pares a medication, decide as an institution which of these elements should be noted on the label, and which would draw attention away from the critical information. If your policy on labeling varies from regu- latory or accreditation requirements, the reasons why must be com- pelling and noted in the policy. A defined delivery pathway Medications on the sterile field should be supplied in clearly labeled, unopened containers. Label syringes only when the medica- tion is drawn. When diluting a medication in other solutions, note the medication's final concentration or the specified volume of the med- ication on the container's label. Due to the potential for harm when items such as pledgets containing vasoactive substances or syringes filled with intrathecal medications are on the sterile field, the surgeon and anesthesia provider must communicate clearly about which agent 3 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 4 9