I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis => Topic started by: Mike_NC on October 27, 2012, 12:05:57 AM

Title: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Mike_NC on October 27, 2012, 12:05:57 AM
Hey all, I have a question for those of you using the Liberty cycler and solution. As of my last shipment of supplies, the solution I use (Yellow/1.5%) seems to have color coded necks and cones on them. I called and inquired about it and of course I am told they are not aware of this and that they would have someone from corporate call me back. Someone from corporate did call me back and told me not to use the new bags because they too were not aware of any changes other than changing the cones from clear to red. (Comforting, huh?) They sent shipping info for me to use to send them a bag to check out. Waiting to hear back from them now. Have any of you received new color coded bags, or know about them? The date on mine are Jan '14. They told me the change in the cone was so it would be visible once broken and in the bag, and that the color was red. The bags I recently got are colored from the cone up through the neck of the bag with a clear twist off cap as usual. The thing is, that there is noting red about it...the ones I have are more the color of betadine...more brownish/orange. I'm just curious as to whether anyone else has seen this as I was not informed of any changes and believe that as a patient, I should be informed of any changes. Maybe I'm over-thinking this (a flaw of mine) but when there is a change as visually obvious as this, I think I should know in advance, to avoid confusion. Thanks in advance for any input.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: jeannea on October 27, 2012, 08:21:49 AM
You should be told about changes. But this brownish color sounds like a manufacturing issue. Not good. Keep on them til they give you new bags.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: JLM on October 27, 2012, 09:14:50 AM
If you are meaning that little part you break and have to get into the bag.  It is now red so you can see it better and can be sure that it is out of the short plastic tube of your solution bag.  I get a letter on that a couple of months ago.  Instead of being clear it is now red.  I hope this helps!
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Sydnee on October 27, 2012, 11:47:48 AM
the only color change on Ed's bags are the red cones. the red is very red not brownish. Ed's newest boxes say Feb '14.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Mike_NC on October 29, 2012, 03:49:01 PM
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I was being spun in circles by everyone I asked about this...crom my clinic up to corporate. Sad when there is such a communication breakdown on things like this. I finally was able to get confirmation from a nurse that all was ok, but knew someone here would also be able to answer, and probably in a more timely manner. Sorry I didn't respond earlier, as I didn't get notification of replies and was also dealing with preparation for Hurricane Sandy, her in Eastern NC. Luckily we only got brushed but did have some pretty rough conditions over the weekend. Thanks again!
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: JLM on October 30, 2012, 06:48:13 AM
I have this forum bookmarked along with other forums.  I come to the computer several times a day and run through my bookmarked forums just to see if there is anything new on them,  BUT then, I have a lot of time on my hands.  Go figger, wh?
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Simon Dog on November 03, 2012, 01:44:36 PM
My PD nurse told me to expect this, and I am starting to see them.

The cones, and the squad plastic neck that is part of the same moulded part is red on all cycler bags - with the same yellow (very faint), green and red caps for the different concentrations.

This is an improvement designed to make it easier to see where the cone is after you have broken it off.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: travbug on November 08, 2012, 05:25:03 PM
to Tito,    When you break the frangible on Baxter bags hold on to small  frangible and rotate tube in a 6 inch circle and this will separate it about a 1/4 inch.  Never have had any problem with Baxter bags doing this.    Good Luck
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Whamo on November 09, 2012, 03:43:39 AM
The bags I get from Baxter have all been good so far.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Joe on November 09, 2012, 05:18:08 AM
I haven't had any issues getting the frangable out of the way on the Baxter bags. I just break it and work it back up the tube about a half inch.
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: Grumpy-1 on November 09, 2012, 05:32:50 AM
I've been getting the red cones on the 5liter bags for some time.  Wondering if the brownish red color was just a goof during manufacturing of the cone part.  Grumpy
Title: Re: New color coding on dialysate bags?
Post by: tito on November 21, 2012, 07:49:02 PM
It's not a matter of getting the frangible piece out of the way. The hole that runs through the frangible is the problem - it is not big enough for the fluid to flow sometimes. Then the bag must be discarded.