Class of 2013 Abstract / Specific Aims: To determine if temperature and direct sunlight influence the rate of evaporation of normal saline in 100mL IV bags. Methods: Four study groups were created; refrigeration, dark shelf, shelf near window, and EMT box simulation. 80 bags (50 ml bags of normal saline) placed in different areas of temperature change and sun exposure. 20 of the bags stored in a drawer in a refrigerator. 20 stored on a shelf in a dark temperature controlled room. 20 stored next to a window in direct sunlight, and 20 stored outside where temperature and sun exposure will be highest in an EMT simulated box. Weights were recorded (in gms) weekly for 8 weeks using an analytical balance. Each saline bag was weighed individually and recorded at the time of measurement. Main Results: Rates of volume loss were lower in the normal saline IV bags stored in a refrigerated environment compared to the other two groups stored at room temperature and the one group stored in outside conditions (p<0.001). IV bags stored at room temperature exposed to light had the second lowest rate of loss compared to the other two groups (p<0.001 compared to outside conditions and p=0.003 compared to closed drawer). Bags stored at room temperature in a closed door had the third lowest rate of loss (p<0.001). Conclusion: Rate of fluid loss from IV normal saline bags appears to be temperature sensitive and storage of these bags may have an impact on shelf life of the product.

Class of 2015 Abstract / Objectives: To determine if a change in the amount of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in 5 different IV solutions will help prevent phenytoin from falling out of solution (i.e. precipitating). Our working hypothesis is that the stability of the phenytoin solution will change with different IV solutions and will increase with increasing the amount of sodium bicarbonate. Methods: A constant amount of phenytoin injection solution was mixed with a constant amount of one IV solution per beaker. Different amounts of alkalizing agents were then added to each phenytoin and IV mixture. Precipitation of the mixtures was observed every 30 minutes for 4 hours, then again in 24 hours. Results: When different IV solutions were added to the phenytoin and alkalizing agent mixture , the pH of the mixture dropped from 10 to 9 independent of the amount of alkalizing agent present in the mixture. All phenytoin mixtures precipitated within 60 minutes; 0.9% NaCl and phenytoin mixture being the one with the most delayed precipitation. Conclusions: Based on the result of this experiment, we rejected both of our specific aim hypotheses. Our hypothesis is rejected because the stability of the phenytoin solution will not change by using different IV solutions or by changing the amount of sodium bicarbonate.