Purpose To evaluate the stability of meropenem trihydrate in elastomeric infusion devices at a range of selected concentrations (6, 12, 20 and 25 mg/mL) at ambient, refrigeration and freezing temperatures. Methods Meropenem Ranbaxy ® (meropenem trihydrate equivalent to anhydrous meropenem 1 g) vials for injection were reconstituted with 0.9% sodium chloride and adjusted to pH 6.5 using 1 M hydrochloric acid. Following preparation, solutions were stored for 7 days at either 6.7°C in elastomeric infusion devices or at −19°C in glass vials; samples of each concentration were removed from the infusion devices at specific time-points and stored for 24 hrs at 22.5°C. All solutions were assayed at specific time-points using high-performance liquid chromatography. Forced degradation in hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide was carried out at 40°C. Results The lowest concentration of meropenem (6 mg/mL) displayed the highest stability. It maintained >90% of its initial concentration for up to 144 hrs when stored at 6.7°C and 72 hrs following 24 hrs storage at 22.5°C, having been initially refrigerated for 48 hrs. Meropenem 20 mg/mL required immediate administration following preparation under ambient temperatures, whilst meropenem 25 mg/mL did not remain stable following 24 hrs storage at ambient temperatures. Frozen meropenem solutions displayed good stability in all concentrations but were physically unstable due to the formation of a precipitate. Conclusion At lower concentrations, meropenem showed suitable stability for storage and administration in elastomeric infusion devices, at refrigerated temperatures. To enhance the stability of lower concentration solutions when exposed to ambient temperatures by ambulatory patients, a more adept method of maintaining lower temperatures that reflect refrigerated conditions for elastomeric infusion devices should be devised.

Although underutilized, spirometry is essential in the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This study aimed to investigate a mobile (i.e., transportable) lung function testing (LFT) services in two metropolitan and two rural clinics in Western Australia. Individuals attending a mobile LFT clinic in 2021 were invited to complete questionnaires at baseline and after 6–8 weeks. Questionnaires were completed by 59/74 (79.7%) respondents (mean age 62.5 ± 14.2 years); most were female (35/59; 59.3%). A history of asthma was reported in 50.9% (30/59) and COPD in 18.6% (11/59) of respondents [13.6% (8/59) reported both]. At baseline, most (22/30; 73.3%) had asthma control test scores ≤19 (mean 16.6; range 8.0–25.0); at follow-up, 16/31 (51.6%) had scores ≤19 (mean score 18.0; range 6.0–25.0). Of the 11 diagnosed with COPD at baseline, the mean Clinical COPD Questionnaire and COPD assessment test scores were greater at follow-up (1.9 vs. 2.3; and: 10.3 vs. 14.7 respectively), reflecting worsening disease. Most participants (57/59; 96.6%) were satisfied with the LFT experience. The role of mobile LFT services to optimize the diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease and to minimize patient burden requires further investigation to improve short term patient outcomes.