233 - Accuracy of Caregiver Liquid Measurement in the Pediatric Population

Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the accuracy of caregiver liquid measurements as a proxy for measurement of liquid medications that are prescribed to their children.

Methods: Caregivers were approached when their children present the day of the treatment. A survey, collecting demographic data, device preference, followed by asking them to measure three volumes of water with food coloring (7mL, 10mL, 12mL) using three separate measurement devices: graduated spoon (15cc), pharmacy cup (30cc) and a syringe (20cc). Measurement devices were tared on a scale prior to the subject measuring volumes. The mass was then obtained from the scale. Specific density at room temperature was used to calculate the volume from the mass recorded.

Results: Total sample size was 50 participants. The most commonly preferred measurement device by caregivers was reported as the syringe, followed by the pharmacy cup and then the spoon. Average measurement for the syringe at volumes 7mL, 10 mL and 12 mL were respectively: 6.80, 9.97, 12.11. Average measurement for the pharmacy cup at volumes 7mL, 10 mL and 12 mL were respectively: 6.78, 9.95, 12.19. Average measurement for the spoon at volumes 7mL, 10 mL and 12 mL were respectively: 7.07, 10.12, 11.85. 

Conclusions: The most accurate measurement device for 7mL was the spoon. The most accurate measurement device for the 10mL was the syringe. The most accurate measurement device for the 12 mL was the syringe.




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