Readers, thank you for your emails. This month, we are including a reader’s question about EP/cath lab requirements. We have had a great number of you send in questions; now we just need more of you to send in the answers! In addition, please review last month’s questions still under discussion. If you have information that would be helpful for our readers, email us at eplabdigest@hotmail.com or go to www.eplabdigest.com and click on the email discussion group link.

New Question:

National Standards
We are sharing a new EP lab with the cath lab. We are in the process of converting the device implants from the OR to our lab. Some EP/cath labs are very strict regarding sterile technique practices. Others are less rigid. Is there a national standard regarding sterile technique practices and proper cleaning of an EP lab/cath lab that performs device implants?
— L. Payne, RN, Dallas, Texas


Last month’s questions under discussion:

EP Protocol
Does anyone have a current magnet protocol for ICDs? Our anesthesiology department would benefit from one, and I am finding it confusing to combine the different companies to come up with a generic standard. If anyone has a pacemaker one as well, that would be helpful.
— K. Kaczmarek

Bretylium
Is anyone else having trouble getting Bretylium? My pharmacy department is telling us they can't find any. If anyone has a supplier and/or ishaving the same problem, please respond.
— G. Cusworth, RN

ICDs
For patients receiving a prophylactic ICD, (Madit II) how many physicians are doing an EPS prior to the ICD implant?
— C. Jennerjohn


Readers, you can still read and respond to questions we’ve asked in past issues. Go online and click on the Email Discussion Group link to get started. There you can read past questions, reply with your answers, and even ask your own questions. Our website is constantly being updated with new responses, so check back often!