Safety and Quality Update - September 2026
New this month: Updated Safety Alerts (2); ACSQHC Infection Prevention & Control guidelines; updated daily tramadol dosing; New Zealand Health and Independence report; webAIRS analysers sought for machine-related adverse events.
Updated Safety Alerts
Residual anaesthetic drugs in the dead space volume of IV lines
The recommendations in the Safety Alert, first published in October 2025, have been updated.
Reports of Susceptibility to certain patients of Venezuelan origin
In Australia, funded genetic testing for the m.11232T>C genetic variant may now be available. Patients should also inform their dentist if they or their child is of Venezuelan heritage.
ACSQHC infection prevention & control guidelines
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) is undertaking a national public consultation on the third edition of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. Consultation closes 29 September 2026.
Tramadol maximum daily dosing
The TGA has advised the recommended maximum daily dosing for intravenous tramadol is 400mg for acute postoperative pain in otherwise healthy adults. This is to maintain alignment with international regulatory bodies.
Further information may be found in the updated tramadol product information.
New Zealand Health and Independence Report
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has published its Health and Independence Report 2025.
Seeking volunteers for webAIRS review
We are completing an analysis of adverse events related to machine and equipment failures. With over 500 records found, this is a prevalent issue that hasn’t yet been thoroughly investigated in the relevant literature.
We are looking for volunteers to help analyse the records, including data capture using spreadsheets and assistance with the manuscript for publication. Given the complexity of the data, analysers should be advanced trainees or more senior.
Please contact Susan Considine for more details: [email protected]
