The Needle: Safe Injection, Infusion, Vials & Point of Care Devices

Session Description: The transmission of pathogens to patients and staff during routine healthcare encounters continues to occur in diverse settings. Unsafe injection, infusion, medication vial and blood glucose monitoring practices are responsible for a majority of investigated outbreaks. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology’s (APIC) first Position Paper on the topic was published in 2010 and updated in 2016. Since that time, over 200 additional patients are known to have been affected by newly identified outbreaks in healthcare. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 79% of outbreaks that occurred in long term care from 2008-2019 were associated with breaches during blood glucose testing resulting in viral transmission of Hepatitis B or C. Given the ongoing issues with unsafe practices and outbreaks, APIC has recently published an updated Position Paper to provide guidance on newer areas of concern, while clarifying areas with additional evidence and/or areas with new regulatory guidance. This session will review significant outbreaks and recent trends while incorporating regulatory, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), accreditation and evidence-based guidance that can be used for injection and sharps safety programs. Key APIC recommendations on aseptic technique, intravenous solutions/tubing/sets, flushing, infusion, syringes, needles, vials and ampules, medication pens, and point of care devices will be highlighted. Newer areas of concern include an increase in outbreaks in ambulatory, imaging and long term care settings, safe injection for cosmetic, joint injections and contrast studies and the risks with drug diversion. Infection preventionists have the knowledge and expertise to ensure safe practices in healthcare settings. This session will provide information to support the development of policies, guidelines, and measurement tools to evaluate compliance and impact safe practices in various settings.