General IV Filter question

Hey all, concerning adult patients (no open foramen ovale or anything like that, just regular patients) I know that certain meds like mannitol needs a IV filter on it, but I don't know the reasoning for this? All I was able to see online is that the precipitate can cause phlebitis? Is this the reasoning. I didn't think this was why. Any info? Thanks guys
Mannitol requires a filter because it will crystallize just from you looking at it.

Yep, mannitol precipates very quickly, so you want to be sure the crystals aren't being infused into the patient.

All standard IV primary tubing should contain an in-line particulate filter. Add-on filters are typically used for filtering air, not particulates. Our policy is to place an add-on air filter for all patients with a PFO or other R to L shunt, and when running "frothy" IV solutions such as amiodarone regardless of PFO.

so the filters are for air rather than particulate? Nice to know thanks all

Filters come in a variety of sizes and configurations so its best to know what kind you need and what it does.1. The most common one you will see in clinical setting is the 0.22 micron filter. It can come as an add on or as an integral part of the tubing. This is the filter you will use for TPN, Mannitol, Dilantin in in a mini bag.It is considered an absolute filter as it traps bacteria and air and particulate matter. INS recommends this as well for routine IV therapy but many do not use it b/c of the added cost. IF you have to add on this type of filter always put it at the most distal tubing2. A 1.2 micron filter does the same but b/c it is larger you can filter lipids through it when you need to mix Lipids and TPN into one bag. This is often seen in TPN at home patients.3 A 170 micron blood/blood product filter will trap cellular debris4 A 20-40 microaggregate filter is used for blood transfusion to trap the microaggregates (cellular degradation from stored blood) This is used when large volumes of blood are infused to prevent lung injury5 1-5 micron particulate matter filter used in medication preparation. Pharmacy will use this in medication preparation such as when preparing many brands of IVIG

Quote from meandragonbrettMannitol requires a filter because it will crystallize just from you looking at it.