Docfan Academy

Unsafe injections can pass infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV to patients and to health workers. Safe practice is simple, and it is the same for every injection.

For every injection

1. Clean your hands. Prepare in a clean area, away from dirty items.
2. Use a new, sterile needle and a new, sterile syringe for every patient, every time. Never reuse a syringe, even if you change the needle.
3. Check that the pack is intact and not expired. If the pack is damaged, do not use it.
4. Use each single-dose vial for one patient only. Follow the label for any multi-dose vial.
5. After the injection, put the needle and syringe into the sharps box at once.

Handling sharps

• Never recap a used needle by hand. Never bend it or break it.
• Keep the sharps box within arm's reach, at the place where you give injections. Do not carry a loose needle across the room.
• The box must be puncture-resistant, with a narrow opening and a lid.
• Close the box when it is about three-quarters full and replace it. Do not push the contents down, shake the box or empty it.
• Keep closed boxes in a safe place until they are collected.

If you have a sharps injury

Act at once:

• Let the wound bleed gently. Wash it with soap and running water. Do not scrub or suck it. If blood splashes into your eyes or mouth, rinse with plenty of clean water.
• Tell your supervisor immediately and follow your facility's post-exposure procedure. Early action matters.
• Report it without fear of blame. Every report helps to fix the cause.