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BCGA releases guide addressing gas supply concerns
The leaflet explains the basic checks that purchasers should carry out when selecting medical gas cylinders.

The advice is for those purchasing single cylinders of medical gases.

The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has published guidance to support veterinary practices with choosing medical gas cylinder suppliers.

Technical Sub-Committee 7 (TSC7), the BCGA’s specialist subcommittee for medical gases, has produced leaflet 22, entitled ‘Medical Gases. Selecting a Medical Gas Cylinder Supplier’, which is available for download on the BCGA website.

The leaflet explains the basic checks that purchasers should carry out when selecting medical gas cylinders, ensuring it is legitimate, for medical use and is supplied by an authorised supplier.

Medical oxygen should only be supplied by manufacturers and wholesale dealers with the appropriate licence issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The gas cylinder suppliers must hold a Wholesale Dealer’s Licence (WDA(H) from the MHRA to manufacture and supply gas in cylinders.

The advice is particularly directed to veterinary practices, dentists and First Aid responders, who may buy cylinders individually.

The guidance follows a recall of medical oxygen tanks after the MHRA found that several dental practices across the UK had been supplied with falsified medical oxygen.

The supplier of the oxygen, Tricodent Limited, is now part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Full details of the recall, published 6 June 2023, can be found here.

The BCGA asks that any defective or falsified medical items are reported on their Yellow Card Scheme website.

Jake Lake, BCGA technical manager, said: “The MHRA has issued a recall notice for the falsified medicines and has also requested BCGA provide suitable guidance to help purchasers identify bona fide, licensed suppliers.
 
“As a result, TSC7 has produced Leaflet 22, ‘Medical Gases. Selecting A Medical Gas Cylinder Supplier.’
 
“Medical gases are classified as medicines and can only be provided by bona fide companies, including those in BCGA membership, who have the appropriate licences, which are issued by the UK Regulator, the MHRA.”

The leaflet can be downloaded from the BCGA’s Publication area here.

 

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.