Controlled-Substance Returns in the Operating Suite

DRUG DIVERSION is an ongoing problem in health care settings. The potential for drug diversion incidents in the perioperative area is high because of the availability of narcotics and other controlled substances and the stresses of working in this environment.

THE FLOW OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES traditionally has been monitored by various accounting systems, but these systems can be inaccurate because the returned medications rarely are tested to verify that they have not been diluted or replaced. Returned medications are not routinely tested because of the expense and time involved.

ENHANCED PHOTOEMISSION SPECTROSCOPY is one technology that can validate returned medications quickly and inexpensively. AORN J 88 (August 2008) 249–252. © AORN, Inc, 2008.