18 Questions
Why is it important to always use sterile needle and syringes and never reuse them?
To prevent infections and transmission of diseases to patients.
What precautions should be taken when using single-use disposable safety engineered 'SMART' syringes?
Avoid entering any vial with a used syringe or needle.
What is the recommended procedure for disposing of syringes after use?
Dispose of syringes properly after single use in puncture-resistant containers.
What type of alcohol-based solution should be used for skin preparation before injections?
60–70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
Why should single-dose vials be preferred for IV medications?
To prevent cross-contamination between patients.
Why is it not advisable to use medications packaged as single-dose for more than one patient?
To avoid potential risks of contamination and infection transmission.
What precautions should be taken when using multi-dose vials to prevent contamination?
Dedicate them to a single patient, label with patient's name, and store in a dedicated medication preparation area.
Where should multi-dose vials be stored to ensure their integrity?
Store in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and not in the immediate patient treatment area.
What should be done if the sterility of a multi-dose vial is compromised?
It should be discarded.
Why is it important to assign a 'beyond-use' date to a multi-dose vial once punctured?
To ensure safe use and prevent contamination, as the vial contains antimicrobial preservatives.
What should never be done with needles between uses in a vial entry diaphragm?
Never leave needles or cover them with other objects like sticky tape.
When should a new sterile needle and syringe be used to access a multi-dose vial?
Always use a new sterile needle and syringe.
What is the term used to describe using the same syringe to inject more than one patient from a multidose vial?
Double-dipping
What is the recommended method to avoid contamination of sterile injection equipment?
Using aseptic nontouch technique
Why is it important to avoid double-dipping when using a multidose vial?
Double-dipping can lead to the entire multidose vial becoming contaminated.
What practice should be followed with fluid infusion and administration sets after use?
Dispose appropriately after use
What is the consequence of reusing the same syringe to draw medication from a contaminated vial for multiple patients?
Infections can be transmitted to the next patient(s)
How should the vial's rubber septum be prepared before inserting a needle or other device?
Disinfect by wiping with a sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol swab
Study Notes
Safe Injection Practices
- Avoid giving unnecessary injections to patients.
- Always use sterile needle and syringes, and never reuse or decontaminate them.
- Do not administer medications from a syringe to multiple patients, even if the needle or cannula is changed.
Infection Prevention and Control
- Never enter a vial with a used syringe or needle.
- Use single-use disposable safety engineered ‘SMART’ syringes with Re-Use Prevention (RUP) and Sharp Injury Protection mechanisms (SIP).
- Apply 60–70% alcohol-based solution on the skin for 30 seconds before injection.
- Do not use cotton balls stored wet in a multi-use container.
- Do not use methanol or methylalcohol as they are not safe for human use.
Single- and Multi-Dose Vials and IV Solutions
- Use single-dose vials for IV medications whenever possible.
- Do not administer medications from single-dose vials or ampoules to multiple patients.
- Do not use medications packaged as single-dose or single-use for more than one patient.
- Disinfect the vial’s rubber septum before piercing with a sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol or other approved antiseptic swab.
Injection Equipment and Area for Preparation of Injections
- Avoid contamination of sterile injection equipment by using aseptic nontouch technique.
- Use fluid infusion and administration sets (IV bags, tubing, and connectors) for one patient only and dispose appropriately after use.
- Limit the use of multi-dose vials and dedicate them to a single patient.
- Label multi-dose vials with the patient’s name.
- Do not keep multi-dose vials in the immediate patient treatment area and store them in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Discard multi-dose vials if sterility is compromised or questionable.
Test your knowledge on safe injection practices based on the recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Topics include the proper use of needles and syringes, avoiding unnecessary injections, and ensuring single-use items are not reused.
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