Patient deaths have been associated with the accidental administration of concentrated phenol in medical imaging settings in Australia and overseas.
The Commission has developed a fact sheet on the storage and management of concentrated 80% phenol in Australian medical imaging service.
Learn more about safe and appropriate use of phenol, including:
- Concentrated 80% phenol should only be used in health service organisations for the purpose of podiatric nail surgery.
- If phenol is to be used in medical imaging as a sclerosant, it must be pre-prepared to an appropriate dilution and in a ready-for-use presentation.
- Local policies, procedures and guidelines should specify which sclerosant is to be used for procedures and include instructions for use.
More information
Visit Resource Library or contact the Commission’s Advice Centre.