HL Deb 13 July 2004 vol 663 cc140-1WA
Lord MacKenzie of Culkein

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ban the supply of potassium chloride solution in vials similar to those used for the supply of water for injection. [HL3531]

Lord Warner:

Cases have been reported in the United Kingdom and internationally where potassium chloride concentrate has been mistaken for and administered instead of sodium chloride and water.

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) issued a patient safety alert to the National Health Service in July 2002, highlighting the risks of inappropriate use of potassium chloride concentrate and recommending safety controls to minimise these risks.

As some clinical procedures (for example cardiac bypass surgery) require the use of potassium chloride concentrate, the product will need to remain available.

The NPSA is currently completing a consultation to identify new ready-to-use packs, which will further minimise the use of potassium chloride concentrate in ampoules and vials.