practice partner
• Never store needles and syringes unwrapped as steril
ity cannot be assured.
• Do not set up administration sets ahead of time. Once
set up, an administration set should be covered.
• Do not use intravenous solution bags as a common
source of supply for multiple patients.
2. Single Dose Vials
Single dose vials, intended for single patient use,
typically lack preservatives. The use of these vials for
multiple patients carries substantial risk for bacterial
contamination and infection.
• o not reuse single dose vials. Enter the vial once and
D
then immediately discard it.
• lways use a sterile syringe and needle/cannula when
A
entering a vial. Never enter a vial with a syringe or
needle/cannula that has been used on a patient.
• ever combine or pool the leftover contents of single
N
dose vials.
3. Multi-dose Vials
Outbreaks associated with the use of multi-dose vials
in outpatient settings are a frequent and recurring
problem. The use of multi-dose vials should be avoided
whenever po