APIC position paper: Safe injection, infusion, and medication vial practices in health care

Am J Infect Control. 2016 Jul 1;44(7):750-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.02.033. Epub 2016 May 13.

Abstract

The transmission of bloodborne viruses and other microbial pathogens to patients during routine health care procedures continues to occur because of the use of improper injection, infusion, medication vial, and point-of-care testing practices by health care personnel. These unsafe practices occur in various clinical settings and result in unacceptable and devastating events for patients. This document updates the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 2010 position paper on safe injection, infusion, and medication vial practices in health care.

Keywords: Contaminated; Endoscopy; HCV; Hepatitis C; Outbreak; Syringe; bloodborne.

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Borne Pathogens*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / transmission*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Health Facilities
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infusions, Intravenous / methods*
  • Injections, Intravenous / methods*
  • Patient Safety
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic