Book Review

The CIVAS Handbook

Richard Needle
Pharmaceutical Press

This new handbook was published as a result of the widespread development of centralized intravenous (IV) admixture services (CIVAS) in the United Kingdom. The editors saw a need for a guidance document that involves planning, setting up, training and auditing of a CIVAS. The book provides a template for establishing a CIVAS in the United Kingdom; but much of the material is appropriate and can be easily adapted, regardless of the country. It also contains drug monographs for 40 of the most commonly used IV drugs, which pull together much of the literature regarding their stability. This book is a nice, concise presentation of pertinent information that will provide direction and documentation for procedures and preparations in a CIVAS.