ICU Y-site compatibility at standardised infusion concentrations: method-stratified synthesis and practical chart

At standardised ICU concentrations, fewer than half of potential Y-site pairings are unequivocally compatible and nearly half have no concentration-matched data. A conservative, method-stratified framework anchored to exact concentration and diluent mitigates risk and exposes evidence gaps. Applying a conservative, method-stratified framework anchored to exact concentration and diluent mitigates risk while revealing priority evidence gaps-especially for lipid emulsions, calcium-containing solutions, extreme-pH drugs and opioids. Embedding the chart within the electronic prescribing and medicines administration (EPMA) system can deliver checks, standardise line allocation, reduce uncertain Y-site mixing and prioritise dedicated lumens for high-risk agents.