WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a guidance titled, "Guidance for Federal Agencies, and State and Local Governments - Potassium Iodide Tablets Shelf Life Extension" on how to conduct drug testing to determine the shelf life of stockpiled potassium iodide (KI) tablets. These methods could verify the continued viability of these drugs when stored under controlled conditions. KI is a treatment for radiation poisoning after a nuclear attack.
A number of state and local governments maintain stockpiles of KI tablets for use in a radiation emergency involving the release of radioactive iodine. Several states have asked the FDA how to determine whether stockpiled KI tablets have retained their original quality after passing the expiration date.
The FDA, working with other federal agencies, state and local governments who stockpile KI tablets for use in the event of a radiation emergency, is providing guidance on how to conduct shelf life testing and how to identify laboratories that are suitable for conducting shelf life extension testing. The FDA guidance document also provides information on how to notify holders of stockpiled KI tablets about changes in shelf life, and how to distinguish stockpiled batches with different shelf lives.
The FDA has been actively working with other federal, state, and local governments to prepare our country for possible bioterrorism attacks. In November 2002, the FDA provided guidance on the safe and effective use of KI tablets as an adjunct to other public health protective measures in the event that radioactive iodine is released into the environment.
Anyone wishing to submit comments on this latest document may do so within 60 days of the publication date by sending them to http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments, or by mailing them to Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, Md. 20852.
Source: FDA
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.