Upkeep of doctor's bag

• GP emergency bag
  • must be lockable and not left unattended during home visits
  • this is important because it generally contains prescription pads and medicines (including controlled drugs)
• silver-coloured bag or cool bag will keep drugs cooler than a traditional black bag
  • this is important because most medicines should be stored at between 4°C and 25°C
  • bright lights may inactivate some drugs (e.g. injectable prochlorperazine) - therefore the bag should be kept closed when not in use
  • it is advised to store the bag in a cool place in the surgery or at home (rather than in the doctor's car)
    • if a doctor's bag is left in the car, then the bag should be locked, kept out of sight and locked in the boot
• for all drugs- origin, batch numbers and expiry dates of all the drugs should be recorded
• drugs in the doctor's bag should be checked at least twice a year (more often for Syntometrine) to see that they are still in date and usable
• oxygen
  • if the GP carries oxygen then the GP's car should be labelled with the correct 'Hazchem' sticker

Reference:

1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2000; 38 (9): 65-68.
2. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2005;43(9): 65-68.