National Patient Safety Alert: Risk of death and severe harm from ingesting superabsorbent polymer gel granules (28 November 2019)

Summary

Superabsorbent polymer gel granules are used to reduce spillage onto bedding and clothing when patients use urine bottles or vomit bowls, or when staff move fluid-filled containers (eg washbowls or bedpans). If the gel granules are put in the mouth, they expand on contact with saliva risking airway obstruction.

This National Patient Safety Alert requires any organisation still using these products to protect patients by introducing strict restrictions on their use. 

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