What it means
In IV therapy, two drugs or solutions are compatible if they can be mixed or run through the same line without forming crystals, clouding, or losing their effect. In transfusion, blood is compatible when the donor's ABO and Rh type will not trigger the recipient's immune system; a crossmatch tests this. Tissue compatibility is checked for transplants in the same way.
For the nurse
Check a compatibility chart or ask the pharmacist before running two drugs in the same line, and flush between them. Stop an infusion if the line looks cloudy or has crystals. Blood is run only with normal saline.
Related terms
blood transfusion
Giving blood, or a part of blood, from a donor into a person's vein.
phenytoin
An anticonvulsant drug, given by mouth or IV, used to prevent and stop seizures.