IV fluidmakers: preparation of sterile water for injection in a field setting.
Two approaches have been investigated for generating USP sterile, pyrogen-free water for injection (WFI) from potable water in the field. The first approach utilizes reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, a solid matrix filter containing activated carbon and zeta adsorbent, a final 0.2 microns pore size sterilizing filter and a device for transferring the WFI to an IV bag; prototype systems based on three different hand-operated RO units weigh 1.5-3.5 kg and are capable of producing WFI at rates of 1-10 L/hr. Parenteral solutions were made by adding WFI to an IV bag containing concentrated Ringer's lactate. The second approach, still in the breadboard stage, is similar but utilizes a larger ion exchange column in place of the RO unit and a multiport distribution head to fill a set of 18 1-L IV bags. This system, considered to be disposable, is capable of generating water of WFI quality at a fill rate of 0.5 L/min from a pressurized source.