Continuous improvement
At Bath ASU, we believe that continuous improvement is key to delivering the highest quality products and the safest practices for our customers.
Today, we’re pleased to share an important update to our IV manufacturing process, one which that underscores our commitment to safety and efficiency.
Our current process
Traditionally, our operations have relied on two primary empty IV bags:
Freka® IV Mix Bags - These bags use a needle entry port exclusively for drug additions.
EasyFlex+ IV Mix Bags - Featuring a needle-free injection port, these clear and flexible bags have also played a key role in our production.
Recent enhancements, such as the introduction of Freeflex+ Needleless Bags for both NaCl and Glucose solutions across all sizes, have significantly reduced the use of needle ports.
This development has significantly reduced the number of needles used during manufacturing, and therefore significantly reduce risk to operator safety as well as reducing the occurrence of defects.
Why change was needed
Despite the improvements, we identified some challenges that needed addressing:
Freka® IV Mix Bags - The need to remove needles from the manufacturing process with an additional benefit to reduce the rate of defects and enhance manufacturing capability.
EasyFlex+ Non-PVC IV Bags - Supply Constraints: Securing these bags in all required volumes has proven challenging.
These issues not only elevate the risk to operator injury, but also contribute to an increased rate of defects, which could potentially impact both patient safety and the overall efficiency of our operations.
Introducing SecureFill® Bags
This new solution is designed to address the limitations of our existing systems, offering several key benefits:
Needle-free filling port
SecureFill® Bags come equipped with a needle-free injection port, reducing the risk of operator injury and streamlining the drug addition process. After filling, the needless fill port can be covered by a red Freeflex+ protective cap.
Superior material quality
Made from clear PolyOlefin (PO) material, these bags allow for easy inspection and provide a reliable view of the contents, ensuring the highest quality standards.
Versatile sizing options
Available in 50ml, 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml sizes, SecureFill® Bags are tailored to meet a wide range of clinical requirements.
Seamless integration
These bags are compatible with the existing FK Freeflex+ protective caps, allowing for a smooth transition without disrupting current operations.
What this means for you
By transitioning to SecureFill® Bags, we are set to achieve a range of benefits that directly enhance our service to customers:
Enhanced safety
The needle-free design minimizes the risks associated with traditional needle-based drug additions, ensuring a safer environment for both operators and patients.
Reduced defects
The simplification of the filling process and construction of the new bag is expected to significantly lower the defect rate, thereby ensuring that only the highest quality products reach you.
Improved quality control
The clear PO material facilitates easy visual inspection, reinforcing our commitment to quality and reliability in every bag produced.
Proven compatibility
Drug stability assessments in PO material have demonstrated excellent compatibility, affirming SecureFill® Bags as a robust and dependable solution.